[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 3 (Monday, January 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E24]
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

                        Monday, January 14, 2013

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor James J. 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 Battles Stars and a Presidential Unit 
Commendation.
  It was during his time in the Navy, that Mr. Sweeney befriended his 
shipmate, John Finn. Lieutenant Finn received the Medal of Honor for 
his heroic actions at Pearl Harbor. During the Japanese surprise 
attack, Lieutenant 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, James Sweeney has 
tirelessly worked to honor Lieutenant 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 Lieutenant 
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.

                          ____________________