[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 62 (Friday, April 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E691-E692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING LT. COLONEL FREDRICK L. SPAULDING FOR WINNING THE 
                      DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2012

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I am honored and humbled to rise 
today to honor a fellow Hoosier, Lt. Colonel Fredrick L. Spaulding, who 
was recently awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, our Nation's 
second highest award for military valor, for his extraordinary heroism 
at the Battle of Fire Base Ripcord during the Vietnam War.

[[Page E692]]

  Between April and July 1970, the United States and North Vietnamese 
forces fought for control of Fire Support Base Ripcord in the A Shau 
Valley. July of that year saw the heaviest fighting for control of the 
base. This battle would mark the last major confrontation between U.S. 
ground forces and North Vietnamese forces in the war. Then-Captain 
Spaulding was tasked with planning and coordinating all air assets 
involved in the orderly withdrawal of the two U.S. Companies being 
besieged at the Base by elements of four North Vietnamese Army 
divisions.
  Although our soldiers fought bravely they were significantly 
outnumbered by the North Vietnamese. By July 22nd, the United States' 
position became completely untenable; and due to heavy anti-aircraft 
fire from the enemy, extraction of U.S. soldiers had to be suspended. 
Throughout the night the U.S. troops hung on often being forced to 
engage in hand to hand combat to defend themselves.
  On July 23rd--the last day of the battle--Captain Spaulding 
voluntarily left the safety of Camp Evans to provide direct aid to his 
besieged comrades and over the course of the day--at great personal 
risk--he helped safely extract the final U.S. personnel.
  According to the official account, Captain Spaulding ``took command 
of a Scout helicopter to locate, mark and direct fire from all 
available land and air assets against enemy positions. While taking 
intense fire, Captain Spaulding directly exposed himself to enemy fire 
while marking enemy positions with smoke grenades. . . . Once the 
grenades were exhausted Captain Spaulding fired his sidearm at the 
enemy until his helicopter was rendered inoperable by the mounting 
enemy fire. When the pilot refused to continue the mission, Captain 
Spaulding procured a second helicopter. The second aircraft was 
subsequently damaged by enemy fire, as was the third helicopter that 
Spaulding obtained. In a fourth helicopter, Captain Spaulding returned 
to the area of operations to successfully continue the evacuation of 
the two besieged companies by continuing to draw fire upon himself and 
the aircraft.''
  Major General Benjamin L. Harrison who was Colonel and Commanding 
Officer of the 3rd Brigade 101st Airborne Division at the time of the 
Battle of Ripcord, described Captain Spaulding as: ``. . . one of the 
most outstanding combat officers I have observed during my two tours in 
Vietnam . . . his battle skill was instrumental in saving many lives 
that day.''
  Four years ago, with the support of some of Colonel Spaulding's old 
comrades, I petitioned the Army to recommend the Colonel for the 
Congressional Medal of Honor for his action during the Battle of 
Ripcord. Although the Army concurred that Colonel Spaulding's actions 
were extraordinary and worthy of suitable recognition, they declined to 
support the petition for the Congressional Medal of Honor. I personally 
believe that the Army is wrong in this instance. There is no doubt in 
my mind that Colonel Spaulding earned the Congressional Medal of Honor 
that day. Nevertheless, It is my distinct honor to congratulate Colonel 
Spaulding on his receiving the Distinguished Service Cross.
  In addition to his military honors, Colonel Spaulding's leadership 
and mentoring abilities has been recognized by his peers through 
membership in the Army Ranger Hall of Fame, the Officer Candidate 
School (OCS) Hall of Fame, Distinguished Member of the Regiment (506th 
Airborne Infantry Regiment), and the presidency of the 82nd Airborne 
Division Association.
  Even after his retirement from the Army, and with the unwavering 
support of his wife Micki, Colonel Spaulding continued to serve his 
community, state and country. To his community he donated his time to 
coach the local high school golf team, and he frequently speaks at 
various school and association events about the value of military 
service. To his beloved state of Indiana, he has shared his extensive 
military experience and knowledge by helping to train the men and women 
of the Indiana National Guard. To his country, he was instrumental in 
launching a new company dedicated to national defense and the training 
of veterans.
  Colonel Spaulding's life of service, and his unselfish heroism and 
acts of bravery while in combat, are an inspiration to all Americans. I 
ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding 
Hoosier! Thank you and congratulations, Colonel.

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