[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 35 (Monday, March 5, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S1382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         REMEMBERING NICK BACON

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor a true 
American hero who always had our veterans at heart--Nick Bacon.
  Bacon served in the U.S. Army from 1963 1984 serving two deployments 
to Vietnam. As a staff sergeant during his second tour, Nick solidified 
his legacy as a hero.
  On August 26, 1968, while commanding a squad of the first platoon of 
Company B, 4th Battalion, in an operation west of Tam Ky in Vietnam, 
Bacon destroyed several enemy positions with hand grenades. When his 
platoon leader was wounded, Bacon led the platoon to destroy remaining 
enemy positions. Bacon also took command of a second platoon, 3rd 
Platoon, Bravo Company, when its leader was killed and rallied both 
platoons against the enemy. Providing cover for evacuation of wounded, 
Bacon climbed a tank to fire at the enemy, a move that exposed himself 
to enemy fire. He was credited with killing at least four enemy 
soldiers and destroying an anti-tank gun.
  President Nixon awarded Nick the Medal of Honor for his bravery, 
heroics and valiant actions during this battle.
  Nick's heroics extended well beyond the battlefield. He exemplified 
what it means to be a Medal of Honor recipient in the way he lived his 
daily life through his service to others.
  After retiring from the military, Nick continued his commitment to 
his fellow soldiers by fulfilling the needs of our veterans. He is 
considered by many in Arkansas as the Father of Veterans Affairs in the 
Natural State. Under his guidance as the director of Arkansas 
Department of Veterans Affairs, State veterans saw the completion of 
the Fayetteville VA Long-term Care Facility, the development of the 
Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery and the creation of the Arkansas 
Veterans' Coalition.
  Nick's leadership in the department helped countless veterans in 
Arkansas receive the benefits they deserve. His actions throughout his 
life have inspired selfless service and sacrifice. Nick's legacy will 
live on as we remember his consistent passion for veterans and his 
tireless advocacy on behalf of the men and women who wore our Nation's 
uniform.

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