[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 29, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E73-E74]
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

                       Tuesday, January 29, 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, 5 Battles 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 
2\1/2\ hours even as he took an onslaught of bullets and shrapnel. And 
for the past 9 years, James Sweeney has tirelessly worked to honor Lt. 
John Finn, who passed away in 2009. On February 15, 2011, those efforts 
proved successful as the Navy announced that a new guided missile 
destroyer will be named the USS John Finn.

[[Page E74]]

 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.

                          ____________________