[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 26 (Monday, February 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E183-E184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS LLOYD CLAUDE ``L.C.'' RICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MICK MULVANEY

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2013

  Mr. MULVANEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and mark 
the passing of Sergeant First Class L.C. Rice, one of my constituents, 
a highly decorated veteran, and a true servant of our nation.
  SFC Rice was born in Greer, SC, in 1923, the son of the late Bunyon 
Clinton Rice and the late Tenie Jane Beaver Rice. L.C. Rice grew up 
during the Depression, so after completing the lower grades, he went to 
work. In January 1941, SFC Rice joined the Navy at the age of 17.
  He was a machinist mate stationed on the USS Pennsylvania at Pearl 
Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of December 7, 1941. His ship was in dry 
dock when it was attacked, and all weapons and ammunition had been 
removed. SFC Rice spent that day ``which shall live in infamy'' 
rescuing the wounded and collecting the dead.
  Next, SFC Rice was sent on a secret mission to deliver the cruiser 
USS Milwaukee to the Russians. His family could not be told where he 
was, and he was gone for so long they believed him missing in action. 
Later, he was stationed on a ship off the coast of Normandy, which was 
torpedoed and sank beneath him. Although he was hit by shrapnel, he 
swam through the debris and made it to shore, rescuing others along the 
way. Once on land, L.C. was given a rifle and helped fight against the 
Nazis. During World War II, he served both in naval and ground combat 
in both the Pacific and the European theatres. SFC Rice also 
participated in the Pacific Island campaigns and was part of the atomic 
bomb tests at the Bikini Atoll in 1946. For his service to our nation, 
SFC Rice was awarded the Purple Heart.

[[Page E184]]

  After his service in the Navy, SFC Rice joined the Army's 82nd 
Airborne and became a master parachutist, drill sergeant and 
jumpmaster, completing more than 1500 jumps. He served two combat tours 
in Korea and won a bronze star for bravery. SFC Rice was instrumental 
in forming the Army's ``Golden Knights'' official parachute team, and 
was one of the first military advisors sent to South Vietnam during the 
Vietnam War to train their soldiers. SFC Rice also trained soldiers at 
Fort Jackson and Fort Bragg.
  SFC Rice retired from active duty in 1963 and from reserve duty in 
1973, after 32 years of military service during three separate wars. 
SFC Rice is York County's most decorated soldier. After retirement, 
L.C. devoted nearly all his time to the Rock Hill VFW, the American 
Legion, the Honor Guard, and to veterans in general.
  SFC Rice was interred with full military honors on February 15, 2013, 
in Rock Hill, SC. L.C. Rice was the widower of Jeanie Rice and Edna 
``Jan'' Biles Rice. He was the last survivor of 11 children, six 
sisters and four brothers. He is survived by 11 nieces, 10 nephews, and 
many loyal friends and devoted caregivers.
  L.C. Rice was an American Hero. He was truly on the front lines of 
the generation that saved America and the World. We will remember L.C. 
not only for his bravery and service to our country, but more 
importantly, as a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with L.C.'s 
family and for all those who knew him and share in the pain of his 
loss.

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