[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF JAMES J. SWEENEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PATRICK MEEHAN

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor John Sweeney of 
Havertown, Pennsylvania. Mr. Sweeney entered the United States Navy 
after graduating from high school in 1943, and served aboard the USS 
Hancock. The Hancock took part in some of World War II's most pivotal 
battles, including the invasions of the Philippines, Iwo Jima and 
Okinawa. Mr. Sweeney was honored for his heroic service and awarded the 
Philippines Liberation Medal, two Battle Stars and a Presidential Unit 
Commendation.
  It was during his time in the Navy, that Mr. Sweeney befriended his 
shipmate, John Finn. Lt. Finn received the Medal of Honor for his 
heroic actions at Pearl Harbor. During the Japanese surprise attack, 
Lt. Finn manned his machine gun and fought off the Japanese Zeroes for 
two and half hours even as he took an onslaught of bullets and 
shrapnel. And for the past nine years, John Sweeney has tirelessly 
worked to honor Lt. John Finn, who passed away in 2009.
  On February 15th, 2011, those efforts proved successful as the Navy 
announced that a new guided missile destroyer will be named the USS 
John Finn. For these efforts Mr. Sweeney is being honored by American 
Legion Post 667 in Havertown. On behalf of a grateful nation, I 
congratulate Mr. Sweeney on his efforts to ensure that Lt. Finn's name 
and legacy lives on, and for his service during World War II, 
reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Navy.

                          ____________________