[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MICHAEL D. O'CONNOR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 18, 2009

  Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael D. O'Connor, 
a heroic veteran from Blue Springs, Missouri. Michael has an incredible 
history of service and honor to his country, and it is my pleasure to 
highlight just a few of his stories.
  Michael was born in Oconto, Wisconsin on June 6, 1918. He is a 
veteran of World War II who was in the 1st Marine Division and served 
at the Battle of Midway in 1943. He also served in the Battles of 
Peleliu and Cape Gloucester, serving a total of four Southwest Pacific 
campaigns, as well as six months of service in Australia. Michael has 
witnessed many historical moments in his life, including when he was 
stationed in Honolulu when Martial Law was declared following the 
attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. He even served as an MP at President 
Franklin Roosevelt's funeral.
  Michael has received three purple hearts for his sacrifice to his 
country. Aside from this, he lives quietly in Blue Springs and rarely 
receives recognition for his service, like so many other veterans 
across the nation. It is an honor to have someone like Mr. O'Connor in 
the Sixth Congressional District, who like so many others has dedicated 
his life to defending our freedom. His courage and dedication should 
serve as an example to the rest of us on how we can better serve each 
other and our great nation.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in commending 
Michael D. O'Connor for his dedication to his country. I know Michael's 
family and friends join with me in congratulating him on his graduation 
and wishing him best of luck on all of his future endeavors.

                          ____________________