[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 184 (Friday, December 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE INAUGURAL CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN 
    COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD DISTRICT OF TEXAS--LENI MARK WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 2, 2011

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to announce 
before my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the 
names of eleven distinguished military veterans and community servants 
who call the Third District of Texas home. For their selfless service 
and dedication to their neighbors and nation, the following individuals 
have been selected as recipients of the inaugural Congressional Veteran 
Commendation:
  Sergeant Leni Mark Williams served our country from 1942 to 1972 as 
part of three foreign wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the 
Vietnam War. At the early age of sixteen, Williams enlisted in the 
Merchant Marines where he served until 1945. He then joined the U.S. 
Army as an Interpreter. In the aftermath of World War II, Williams 
contributed to the Joint Intelligence Objectives Agency's Operation 
Paperclip which recruited scientists from Europe.
  After thirteen years of active service, Williams temporarily left the 
military to return to school. He soon reentered the Army as a Medic. 
During the Korean War, he trained as a Parachutist with a Ranger 
Company and took part in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. In 1968, 
Williams was wounded in Vietnam. After 33 months of hospitalization, he 
was medically discharged.
  For his exceptionally heroic efforts, Williams has received the 
Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor Device and two Oak Leaf Clusters, 
Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Good 
Conduct Medal, and Parachute Badge.
  Mr. Williams continues to serve his community as an active member of 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars Lone Star Post 2150 in McKinney, Texas. He 
plays an active role in area Memorial Day services and other patriotic 
events, always downplaying his own accomplishments in order to salute 
his fellow veterans.
  It is my pleasure to name Leni Mark Williams a recipient of the 
inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of 
Texas.