[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 58 (Tuesday, May 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO USMC MASTER SERGEANT FRANK MASON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2011

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, every so often, the heroism of America's 
greatest generation is relived through personal accounts, ceremony and 
celebration. It was these Americans who lead our nation to victory in 
Europe and the Pacific during World War II, and then returned home to 
build an economy and set the gold standard for future generations to 
not only admire, but to follow.
  One of these great Americans, Marine Corps Master Sergeant Frank 
Mason, is celebrating his 90th birthday, a significant milestone that 
encompasses a lifetime of service and sacrifice. Frank's story, 
starting with his childhood and carrying through his career in the 
Marine Corps, is truly inspiring. And his courage as a prisoner of war 
following the fall of the Philippines is an example of the same 
American selflessness and fighting spirit that continues to motivate 
the men and women of the Marine Corps, and every other American who 
understands that freedom comes at a cost.
  Seeing both an obligation of duty and opportunity in the Marine 
Corps, Frank enlisted in the Marines in 1937 at 17 years of age. Frank 
was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment and, after a 
year in Hawaii, he joined the Battalion in Shanghai, China--0a part of 
the world that, outside of books and maps, was unfamiliar to most 
Americans--until the threat of a Japanese attack forced the evacuation 
of all American troops on November 28, 1941--days before the bombing of 
Pearl Harbor. Frank's next stop was the Philippines, where the Marines 
would soon put up a valiant fight against a determined and relentless 
Japanese enemy committed to fighting until the last man.
  The Philippines was a strategic asset for both the U.S. and the 
Japanese during World War II. And the Island of Corregidor was the 
culmination of the Japanese campaign for the Philippines. It was on 
Corregidor that Frank and others, cornered and outnumbered, endured 
multiple waves of attacks. They held their ground. The fighting 
intensified until Japanese tanks went into action and stacked the odds 
against the Marines on the Island.
  Many were wounded, and under fear that Japanese landings would 
continue overnight, General Jonathan Wainright made the decision to 
surrender.
  General Wainright's famous words to President Roosevelt provide a 
clear window into the conditions facing Marines on Corregidor, saying 
``There is a limit of human endurance, and that point has long 
passed.'' On May 6, 1942, the Corregidor garrison, with two officers 
sent forward with a white flag, surrendered to the Japanese.
  Frank's account of these events aptly reflects the attitude of a 
Marine rifleman. An attitude, in fact, that reflects the tradition and 
honor of the Marine Corps to this day. Franks asserts that, ``we never 
surrendered. We were ordered to stop fighting.''
  Frank was put on a ``hell ship'' and transported to japan with other 
Prisoners of War, where he was starved and nearly worked to death in a 
nickel and lead mine for over three years. Still, Frank did not lose 
his spirit or his desire to live. With some incredible fortune and 
personal resourcefulness, Frank survived. And when most people might 
say they've done their part and try restoring some normalcy to their 
lives, Frank made the conscious decision to stay in the Marine Corps. 
His extraordinary levels of experience, fortitude and resilience, would 
be needed yet again, this time in Korea.
  Less than a decade after the World War II victory parades rolled 
through America, Frank's next test would come during the Korean War and 
the historic battle of the Chosin Reservoir--a badge of pride for the 
Marine Corps, which, once again, faced insurmountable odds against a 
formidable enemy. Frank showed that the right leadership and experience 
is invaluable, under even the most difficult and dangerous conditions.
  It's impossible to quantify Frank's contribution to the nation, but 
what's certain is that there are only a few Americans whose experience 
and sacrifice compare to his. Frank is part of an elite class of 
Americans who deserve our unending appreciation.
  It was Ronald Reagan who famously said, ``Some people live an entire 
lifetime and wonder if they have made a difference in the world. 
Marines don't have that problem.'' Mr. Speaker, I believe Frank is an 
example of the type of Marine President Reagan had in mind. Frank made 
a difference and we are all thankful for his service.
  On the occasion of his 90th birthday, I ask that my colleagues join 
me in paying tribute to Master Sergeant Frank Mason--a true American 
hero.

                          ____________________