[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 30, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1973-S1974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING CHARLES F. JAMES

 Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. President my home State of New 
Mexico lost a great man on March 13, 2011.
  Charlie F. James, a World War II veteran and survivor of the Bataan 
Death March, passed away at the age of 89. He was the last survivor of 
the Bataan Death March living in Eddy County and I would like to take a 
moment to honor his memory.
  Mr. James enlisted in the National Guard while still a young man in 
high school and was called to active duty service in January 1941, less 
than a year after graduating and just 3 days after getting married.
  In September, Mr. James and the rest of 2nd Battalion/F-Battery were 
shipped off to Manila in the Philippines. The Japanese attack on the 
Philippines in December of 1941, mere hours after Pearl Harbor, led to 
4 months of intense combat with very little in the way of supplies. His 
unit only had one functioning 37mm anti-aircraft gun left when allied 
troops at Bataan were ordered to surrender in April 1942.
  While those 4 months of fighting were difficult for Mr. James and his 
fellow soldiers, the next 3\1/2\ years were even more horrific. Mr. 
James survived the Bataan Death March to then face ghastly conditions 
in Japanese prisons, and forced labor in Japan.
  Mr. James was liberated on September 2, 1945, and honorably 
discharged. He was the recipient of many awards for his service, 
including a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Mr. James became a member of 
numerous veterans groups and he maintained close relationships with 
many of his comrades, including many who were held as prisoners of war.
  After being discharged, Mr. James returned to New Mexico and to the 
two loves in his life: his wife, Lucille, and ranching. Having grown up 
in Carlsbad, his passion for his cattle ran deep in his roots. Those 
who knew Mr. James

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hold many fond memories of him surrounded by his land and tending to 
his cattle.
  Let us honor this man who was the last of a generation, one of an 
ever dwindling number of men who gave up years of their youth to 
protect our Nation, and thank Mr. James for his bravery, patriotism, 
and service.

                          ____________________