[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING SAM JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2013

  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, our colleague from Texas, Sam Johnson, is 
an American hero. And today I join other colleagues in observing the 
fortieth anniversary of his release from a North Vietnamese prisoner of 
war camp.
  In seven years of captivity Sam endured physical and mental torture. 
In fact, Sam was set aside for extra abuse because of his obstinate 
resistance to his Communist captors. At various points Sam spent 42 
straight months in solitary confinement and was forced into leg stocks 
for more than two years.
  But while Sam's jailors punished his body, they could not break his 
spirit; his love of God and country is a deep wellspring they could 
never penetrate. His scars bear witness to his tenacity and toughness.
  Sam Johnson spent a total of 29 years in service to the United States 
Air Force. He flew combat missions during the Korean War and above 
Vietnam. He earned two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the 
Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star, and numerous other awards. 
Since his election to this body in 1991, Sam has walked the halls of 
Congress with the highest levels of respect and admiration. He has 
grown to become this institution's living embodiment of cool-under-fire 
heroism.
  In remembering the anniversary of his release and saying ``thanks'' 
to Sam Johnson, we also remember all those captured and imprisoned 
defending our liberty. In the Rotunda of Capitol hangs the famous black 
POW-MIA flag. It hangs there to remind all Americans that freedom is 
not free and is purchased only at the very highest of costs.
  Mr. Speaker, it is impossible to calculate the value of the 
sacrifices made by war fighters like Sam Johnson. It is equally 
impossible to adequately repay them. We are simply left with words of 
gratitude for a job well done. I hope all Members of Congress join me 
in extending thanks and deep appreciation for our colleague, Sam 
Johnson.

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