[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 175 (Wednesday, November 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING CAPTAIN HUNG D. NGUYEN UPON RECEIPT OF THE AIR MEDAL WITH 
                                 VALOR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ZOE LOFGREN-

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2011

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge and 
honor Captain Hung D. Nguyen upon his award of the Air Medal with 
Valor.
  The Air Medal was established by Executive Order in 1942 to honor any 
person serving in the Armed Forces who distinguishes him or herself by 
``meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.''
  On August 9, 2009, Captain Hung D. Nguyen was copilot on one of the 
ships sent to recover five Afghan soldiers seriously wounded in 
Kandahar, Afghanistan. Through intense small arms and rocket propelled 
grenade fire, Captain Nguyen was able to load four of the five wounded 
soldiers on his aircraft.
  Captain Nguyen's calm demeanor and leadership while providing time 
critical navigation and communications, identifying the landing zone, 
and directing the pilot to perform evasive maneuvers saved sixteen 
lives and two aircraft.
  It was my honor and privilege to recognize Captain Hung D. Nguyen at 
a ceremony while I was home in my district. The outstanding heroism 
displayed deserves great recognition by the entire United States, the 
nation he has so selflessly served. Captain Hung D. Nguyen has the 
respect and gratitude of all Americans.

                          ____________________