[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 185 (Monday, December 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF SENIOR VICE COMMANDER EARL COURTER, JR.

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 5, 2011

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Senior Vice 
Commander Earl Courter, Jr., honoree at the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
Testimonial Dinner. This highly decorated veteran has proven to be a 
valuable member of the community. His actions are deserving of this 
body's recognition.
  Commander Earl Courter enlisted in the United States Army on April 
30, 1964 and subsequently endured 13 weeks of basic training in Fort 
Knox, Kentucky. It was followed by another thirteen weeks of Advanced 
Infantry Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He was later assigned to the 
1st Battalion 28th Infantry Mechanized Headquarters. Commander Earl 
completed two months of intense jungle training and later volunteered 
to serve in Vietnam. He was assigned to the reconnaissance platoon of 
the 2nd Battalion 18th Infantry Division as a radio/telephone operator, 
platoon leader aide and driver. While deeply entrenched in ``Operation 
Mastiff'' in the Dau Tieng region of Vietnam, the Commander's 
reconnaissance platoon came under intense fire and sustained extensive 
wounds, forcing him to return home.
  As a result of his heroic actions in Vietnam, Commander Earl was 
awarded with multiple medals. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, 
Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of 
Vietnam Campaign Medial Ribbon with Device, National Defense Service 
Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, U.S. Presidential 
Citation, Vietnam Presidential Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry 
Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge, New Jersey Vietnam Service Medal, 
among others.
  Commander Earl has conducted various philanthropic services and holds 
multiple leadership positions. He served as Post Commander of VFW Post 
3620 from 1971 through 1972, and earned the position of Assistant 
District Quartermaster after twelve years of service. Throughout his 
tenure, he has also held various prestigious titles which include 
District 7 Assistant Quartermaster, District Convention Chairman and 
Public Relations Chairman. Mr. Courter was appointed state Commander on 
June 18, 2011 and continues to hold this title to this day. As a member 
of the Townsend C. Young VFW Post # 3620, Commander Courter has 
counseled other amputees of various Veterans Organizations. He has 
remained an active member of the community, assisting wounded warriors 
and hospitalized veterans. Commander Courter is a true testament to the 
VFW's mission, Honor the Dead by Helping the Living. The Commander is 
married to the former Janet Walter Kerney and they are residents of 
Delran, New Jersey. Together they have six children and thirteen 
grandchildren and are life members of VFW Post 3620 Auxiliary.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in congratulating Commander 
Earl Courter, Jr. His heroic actions in Vietnam and commitment 
dedicated toward other wounded warriors are inspirations to us all.

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