[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 114 (Wednesday, July 27, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1418-E1419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING PETTY OFFICER AMILCAR RODRIGUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 27, 2011

  Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary bravery of Petty Officer Amilcar Rodriguez, who was 
awarded the Silver Star for his valor in combat. The remarkable courage 
he demonstrated while aiding fellow soldiers at great personal risk 
represents the highest caliber of service to his country.
  A 1998 graduate of Avon High School, Petty Officer Rodriguez was 
serving as a Navy corpsman, or medic, on November 6, 2009, in Bala 
Murghab in Afghanistan when a Marine and two Afghan soldiers in his 
team were shot and wounded by an enemy sniper. Under extreme duress, 
Rodriguez returned fire, killing

[[Page E1419]]

two enemy combatants. He then exposed himself to enemy fire and was 
shot three times while dragging the wounded Marine to safety. As other 
Marines rescued Rodriguez and his colleague, he told them how to treat 
his wounded colleague. Later, while still seriously injured, Rodriguez 
assisted other medics in treating the wounded.
  The Silver Star is the third-highest military decoration members of 
the armed forces can receive, and is only given to soldiers who perform 
``with marked distinction'' and demonstrate gallantry in the face of 
considerable military adversity. The bravery Petty Officer Rodriguez 
displayed shows his exceptional dedication to the armed forces and to 
his fellow soldiers.
  In reflection of the Silver Star he was recently awarded, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing and honoring the incredible 
actions, courage and selflessness of Connecticut native, Petty Officer 
Amilcar Rodriguez.

                          ____________________