[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 137 (Thursday, September 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT DAKOTA MEYER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRETT GUTHRIE

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2011

  Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Dakota 
Meyer, U.S. Marine Corps, who has virtuously served the United States 
and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
  Today, Sgt. Meyer will receive the Medal of Honor, the nation's 
highest medal for bravery, for his courageous actions while serving as 
a member of the Marine Embedded Training Team 2-8, Regional Corps 
Advisory Command in Kunar Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation 
Enduring Freedom.
  On Sept. 8, 2009, Meyer's actions saved the lives of 13 U.S. troops 
and 23 Afghan soldiers.
  Taliban insurgents were dug into the high ground and hidden inside a 
village, pouring down deadly fire at Afghan forces and their American 
advisers. Armed militants swarmed the low ground to try to finish off 
the troops.
  Meyer's team was pinned down near the village. Defying orders to stay 
put, Meyer set himself in the turret of a Humvee and rode straight into 
the firefight, taking fire from all directions. He went in not once, 
but five times, trying to rescue his comrades.
  During about six hours of chaotic fighting, he killed eight Taliban 
militants and provided cover for Afghan and U.S. servicemen to escape 
the ambush.
  We owe our freedom to exceptional soldiers, like Sgt. Meyer, whose 
bravery and heroism, and the bravery of those who he fought alongside 
of, will forever be remembered and appreciated.
  I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Sergeant Dakota 
Meyer for his steadfast commitment to the U.S. Marine Corps, his fellow 
soldiers, his nation and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

                          ____________________