[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 20, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S5772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO PHILIP RUSH HALEY

 Mr.VITTER. Mr. President, today I honor an American patriot 
and a constituent of mine, Philip Rush Haley of Denham Springs, LA. 
Phil grew up in Baton Rouge, LA and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in 
1939 at age 18.
  While stationed in Manila, Philippine Islands, Mr. Haley served as a 
guard outside the office of Admiral Hart, Commander in Chief of the 
Asiatic Fleet. After Admiral Hart left the Philippines, Mr. Haley 
relocated to Corregidor and was placed under the command of LTG 
Jonathan Wainwright. The American forces surrendered to the Japanese in 
1942, and it was at this time Mr. Haley became a prisoner of war.
  The State Times in Baton Rouge wrote an article entitled ``Local 
Marine Declared Missing in Action.'' Most in his family thought Phil 
Haley was dead, but his mother maintained that Phil's strength and 
resilience would keep him alive. Nearly 1 year later, the Haley family 
received word that Phil was indeed alive at Mukden, a Japanese POW camp 
located in Manchuria, China.
  Phil would be in the camp for 3\1/2\ years before the war ended and 
he was liberated by the Russians. His positive attitude and 
perseverance, as his mother predicted, did indeed keep him alive.
  Phil is still persevering. He understands the importance of service, 
and the Marine motto always faithful. Many consider him to be a 
patriarch and a well-respected leader in his church. He is constantly 
serving others in his community through his active involvement in First 
Baptist Church of Denham Springs. Phil is an ordained deacon, a member 
of the building committee, and a member of the ``Helping Hands'' team.
  On this special day we will all look back and see the hallmarks of a 
life well lived. His quiet determination, unfailing kindness, and 
unyielding spirit have made him a pillar not only of a proud and loving 
family, but to all who have come to know him. Beneath a humble exterior 
lies a generous and kind soul. He is beloved not for a litany of 
accomplishments, but simply for who he is.
  Tom Brokaw, in his book ``The Greatest Generation,'' notes that their 
sacrifices made possible the many comforts and conveniences we enjoy 
today. It is my honor to pay tribute to this great American. He, like 
so many today, went into harm's way and sacrificed so much so that we 
can experience our liberties today. I am humbled to have the 
opportunity to express my appreciation for Mr. Philip Rush Haley's 
service to our country, and wish him all the best in years to 
come.

                          ____________________