[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING U.S. NAVY VETERAN AND PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR SYLVESTER PUCCIO

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                         HON. RICHARD L. HANNA

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2012

  Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Sylvester 
Puccio, a very special veteran and a survivor of Pearl Harbor. Mr. 
Puccio will soon be awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation 
Medal, at the direction of the Secretary of the Navy.
  Mr. Puccio served aboard the USS West Virginia during the attack on 
Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 as a Shipfitter Third Class. As the 
Japanese aerial attack engulfed the West Virginia, the call to General 
Quarters was sent, and Mr. Puccio went to his battle station at the 
same time multiple Japanese torpedoes struck the ship. Mr. Puccio and 
his fellow sailors, realizing that counter flooding was critical to 
prevent the West Virginia from rolling due to the torpedo damage, 
rushed to the locker containing the handles to operate the counter 
flood valves.
  The locker was padlocked and the key was on another part of the ship. 
Mr. Puccio, acting quickly, took a large spool and repeatedly struck at 
the padlock until it broke free, enabling him and the other sailors to 
access the handles to begin counter flooding. At this time, the West 
Virginia had listed 28 degrees, and the quick actions of Mr. Puccio and 
other sailors prevented the ship from further listing and together, 
they righted her. In the coming days after the day ``that would live in 
infamy,'' Mr. Puccio returned to the West Virginia on fire fighting and 
salvage detail. He was eventually assigned to the submarine section of 
Pearl Harbor and from there continued his Navy service in the Pacific 
Theatre during World War II.
  Mr. Puccio returned to Rome, and dedicated his life to his family, 
his community, and his fellow veterans as an active member of the 
Central New York Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Mr. Puccio never 
sought recognition for himself, only for his fellow veterans and those 
who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I urge my colleagues to join me today 
in honoring Mr. Sylvester ``Syl'' Puccio, United States Navy, for his 
service and sacrifice during World War II on behalf of the United 
States of America.

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