[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 17, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S7958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING ELISEO ``CHEO'' LOPEZ

 Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. President, for many of those who 
experienced it, the Bataan Death March marked the end of lives that 
made up in courage what they lacked in length. For Eliseo ``Cheo'' 
Lopez a native of Springer, NM, this atrocity was only the beginning of 
a life lived to the fullest. That life ended on November 11 after 92 
years. Fittingly, November 11 is Veterans Day, a day where our Nation 
pauses to honor and remember the veterans who sacrificed so much to 
keep our country safe.
  The brave Americans who fought at Bataan were heroes in a story that 
was central to the broader story of Allied victory in World War II. It 
is a story too few Americans know. The soldiers who fought at Bataan 
helped slow the Japanese advance at the beginning of the war in Asia, 
which would eventually give Allied troops the time to reorganize and 
reverse Japan's progress. Thanks to the heroism of these troops, 
America was able to recover from Pearl Harbor and take the fight to the 
Axis powers in Asia and the Pacific Islands, leading to V-J day in 
1945.
  When the troops in Bataan were finally forced to surrender, they 
faced inhumane conditions and atrocities at the hands of their captors. 
By the time they were rescued, toward the end of the war, half of New 
Mexico's 1,800 soldiers had died. Another 300 would die within a year 
of returning to the U.S. as a result of complications related to their 
captivity. Mr. Lopez was forced to work in copper mines as a slave 
laborer and spent time in several Japanese prison camps until he was 
rescued in September 1945 nearly 3\1/2\ years after he was captured. He 
was part of a brotherhood of troops belonging to the 515th Coast 
Artillery Unit, of whom only 69 are known to still be living. The 
515th, and all who fought in Bataan, played a crucial role in our 
country's history, showing valor that I believe is deserving of a 
Congressional Gold Medal.
  When he returned to New Mexico, Mr. Lopez went to work for a bank in 
his hometown of Springer. He later left the bank for a job with a 
manufacturing company in California, where he worked for more than 30 
years. In 2003, Mr. Lopez was recognized as Alabama Ex-POW Veteran of 
the Year by the National Veterans Day Organization of Birmingham, AL.
  Mr. Lopez leaves behind his wife Katherine Young, who was raised in 
Las Vegas, NM, along with two daughters, two grandchildren, a brother, 
and two sisters. He will be buried with full military honors this week 
at Santa Fe National Cemetery.
  Today, the town of Springer and all of New Mexico mourn a dear friend 
and America marks the passing of a true hero. I wish to honor Mr. 
Lopez's memory. It will live on in the hearts of all who knew 
him.

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