[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 74 (Thursday, May 26, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3422-S3423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL J. FITZMAURICE

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today, with great 
pride, I pay tribute to Michael J. Fitzmaurice who will be retiring at 
the end of the month after 24 years of service at the Sioux Falls, SD, 
VA Medical Center.
  Michael entered into service with the U.S. Army in October 1969. 
After completing his basic training at Fort Lewis, WA, and advanced 
individual training at Fort Knox, KY, he was deployed to Vietnam with 
the D-Troop 17th Calvary, 101st Airborne Division. Michael served with 
great distinction in Vietnam eventually earning our nation's highest 
award for valor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, for his heroic 
actions at Khe Sanh, Vietnam.
  Michael received an honorable discharge from the Army on April 7, 
1972. In addition to the Medal of Honor, which he was awarded by 
President Nixon in November 1973, Michael received several other 
decorations for his uncommonly brave service to our Nation; including 
the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and 
the Purple Heart, among others. In recognition of his service, the 
South Dakota State Veterans Home in Hot Springs was renamed the Michael 
J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in October 1998.

[[Page S3423]]

  Following his return from Vietnam, Michael met Patty Dolan, whom he 
married in July 1973. Michael and Patty would raise two sons, Michael 
Jr. and Brian. Eager to continue his service to our country after 
returning home, Michael joined the South Dakota Army National Guard 
153rd Engineering Battalion in Huron, SD, in April 1973. Michael 
continued his service with the South Dakota Army National Guard until 
his discharge in April 1990. He joined the South Dakota Air National 
Guard in May 1990 and retired from military service in May 1992 after 
23 dedicated years of service to his country.
  In addition to serving his country for 23 years in the military, 
Michael has dedicated his life to the service of his fellow veterans in 
South Dakota. He is retiring after 24 years of service as a plumber at 
the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center. He is a lifelong member of the 
Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Disabled American Veterans, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Vets, and the 101st Airborne 
Association.
  Michael is a humble man. He is never one to flaunt his heroic 
actions, nor bring attention to his decorated military service. He 
would likely rather blend in the crowd with his fellow veterans than be 
singled out; however, on the occasion of his retirement from the Sioux 
Falls VA Medical Center, it is appropriate that he be publicly 
recognized. I commend Michael J. Fitzmaurice for his many years of 
dedicated service to the State of South Dakota and our nation. Michael, 
a grateful nation thanks you for your service. Best wishes on your 
retirement.

                          ____________________