[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 77 (Friday, May 25, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF SANFORD WEBSTER

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                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2012

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary man, a 
revered Palo Altan, a loving husband, a devoted father, a proud 
soldier, an investor, risk taker, athlete, a lover of fun, a 
storyteller and generous philanthropist. Sanford (Sam) H. Webster 
embodies the best of what our community, the heart and home of Silicon 
Valley, is all about.
  The life of Sam Webster is the saga of nearly a century of 
accomplishment. From West Point, to parenthood, to pistachios; from 
Wimbledon to World War II; from the Joint Chief's office to the golf 
course; from real estate investing, to tangerine growing, to 
basketball; to Miss Gamble's lovely benefactress and to countless 
recipients of his and Kim's extraordinary generosity. He has done it 
all with a smile, with a zest for life and a twinkle in his famous blue 
eyes. He is a grand gentleman and one I'm proud to honor today.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging Sam 
Webster's extraordinary military service to our nation. He served our 
country with distinction in the Army for 22 years after completing his 
education at the United States Military Academy, retiring with the rank 
of Colonel.
  I recently contacted the Secretary of the Army on his behalf, asking 
that he be awarded the Legion of Merit. He was honored with the 
Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant in 1958 because ``he 
distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service as Deputy 
Chief, Combat Surveillance Department, United States Army Electronic 
Proving Ground, Fort Huachucha, Arizona, during the period 18 June 
1954, to 30 April 1957.'' His efforts resulted in an effective 
Battlefield Surveillance capability for the 1956 Field Army through the 
use of drones.
  In light of the extensive and pervasive use of drones for 
surveillance since Colonel Webster's Army service, I respectfully 
requested Secretary McHugh's review of the record to determine whether 
Colonel Webster can now be awarded the Legion of Merit. Having worked 
to correct an armed forces medal injustice many times, I know that the 
process can be unreasonably long. By acknowledging in this body the 
importance of Colonel Webster's work, we acknowledge in a most public 
and permanent way that his contributions to our nation's expertise at 
reconnaissance have saved thousands of lives, added to our ability to 
root out those who would do us harm, and added to our military arsenal. 
His brilliant work must never be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Colonel Sam 
Webster. While we cannot dispense medals, pin ribbons on lapels, nor 
convey military rank, we can recognize excellence, applaud honorable 
work, salute valor and stand in praise of a true American hero, Colonel 
Sam Webster. He has earned our respect and gratitude for all he has 
done to strengthen our country.

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