[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 174 (Tuesday, November 15, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S7449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MARVIN BREWSTER

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I honor Marvin Brewster, a 
veteran of the Vietnam war. And a familiar volunteer in the community 
of Great Falls, MT. For years, Marv has been very active in Toys for 
Tots, and the Marine Corps League, and the Great Falls Farmers Market.
  Marv Brewster is also an artist. He sculpted the 13-foot angel that 
graces the Montana Veterans' Memorial. Anyone who has visited that 
memorial has no doubt been uplifted by the power and comfort of Marv's 
statue.
  Through all of his work in this community, Marv never asked for 
recognition. He just did as all Marines do--the very best he could on 
behalf of his fellow citizens.
  Forty-six years ago, Marv joined the Navy. He served with M Company, 
3rd Battalion, 7th Marines as a combat corpsman in Vietnam.
  I would like to read what COL C.H. Bodley, the commander of the 3rd
  Battalion, said to Marv in 1966. And this is a direct quote:

       You have performed your duties as Platoon Corpsman in an 
     outstanding manner . . . Your potential was more fully 
     exploited as you participated in eight major operations and 
     numerous small unit activities. On Operation Mallard' the 
     company sustained 13 casualties from Viet Cong small arms and 
     mortar fire. Without hesitation, you moved through the area 
     administering aid and comforting those in need of your 
     assistance . . . Your performance on Operation Mallard' is 
     indicative of the consistently fine work you have been doing. 
     Your eagerness to serve, unswerving loyalty and professional 
     ability have earned you the respect and confidence of all who 
     have been associated with you. It is indeed a pleasure to 
     have men of your caliber in my command and I highly commend 
     you for a job well done.

  On April 21, 1966, Marv was wounded in combat during ``Operation Hot 
Springs.'' For his sacrifice, he received a Purple Heart.
  Marv got the medal. But his Purple Heart was never recorded in his 
official records. The Navy said it was the Marines' job. The Marines 
said it was the Navy's job.
  Decades later, Marv Brewster reached out to my office to fix his 
record once and for all so he could access the health benefits he 
earned as he faces another tough challenge: cancer, related to Agent 
Orange exposure in Vietnam.
  Yesterday, it was my honor to present Marv with the Purple Heart 
Award Certificate he should have received nearly 50 years ago, and with 
it a corrected ``DD 215'' discharge form.
  History shows us that Marv is an honored recipient of the Purple 
Heart, and all the benefits that come with it.
  In researching Marv's records, we learned that Marv never received 
several other decorations he earned years ago. Yesterday, I also had 
the honor of presenting to Marv, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, and the 
National Defense Service Medal. It was also my honor to present the 
Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, and the Presidential 
Unit Citation Ribbon. Yesterday I also presented to Marv the Combat 
Action Ribbon and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device. These 
decorations are small tokens, but they are powerful symbols of true 
heroism--sacrifice and dedication to service.
  These medals are presented on behalf of a grateful nation that wishes 
you and your family, Marv, the very best in the future.

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