[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 175 (Wednesday, November 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2065-E2066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT LARRY I. HIYAKUMOTO AND STAFF SERGEANT 
 JOSHUA M. WEBSTER UPON RECEIPT OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS 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 Senior Master Sergeant Larry I. Hiyakumoto and Staff Sergeant 
Joshua M. Webster upon their award of the Distinguished Flying Cross 
with Valor.
  The Distinguished Flying Cross is America's oldest military aviation 
award. In 1926, the 69th Congress established the Distinguished Flying 
Cross to honor any person serving in the Armed Forces who distinguishes 
him or herself ``by heroism or extraordinary achievement while 
participating in an aerial flight.''
  On June 27, 2010, Senior Master Sergeant Larry I. Hiyakumoto and 
Staff Sergeant Joshua M. Webster participated in eight non-stop 
Casualty Evacuation missions near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. They 
rescued and treated wounded personnel for nearly seven straight hours.
  On one mission, Sergeant Webster was hoisted down from the helicopter 
while Sergeant Hiyakumoto manned the aircraft's machine gun. While 
braving enemy fire, Sergeant Webster pulled a wounded soldier to 
safety. Sergeant Hiyakumoto then began to treat the soldier for 
multiple broken bones and traumatic head injuries. Sergeant Hiyakumoto 
and Sergeant Webster ultimately saved thirteen United States soldiers 
and coalition forces.
  It was my honor and privilege to recognize Senior Master Sergeant 
Larry I. Hiyakumoto and Staff Sergeant Joshua M. Webster at a ceremony 
while I was home in my district. The outstanding heroism displayed 
deserves great recognition by the entire United States, the nation they 
have so selflessly served. Senior Master Sergeant Larry I. Hiyakumoto 
and Staff Sergeant Joshua M. Webster have the respect and gratitude of 
all Americans.

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