[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 57 (Wednesday, April 24, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S2957]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO LOREN DUKE ABDALLA

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to 
recognize the military service of Loren Duke Abdalla, the great 
grandson of Yankton Sioux Tribe Chief Running Bull. Loren Duke Abdalla, 
a native South Dakotan, fought valiantly as part of the U.S. Marine 
Corps in World War II.
  Loren Duke Abdalla, or ``Duke'' as he was known by his fellow 
Marines, began his service to this Nation when he enlisted in the 
Marine Corps in 1943 at the age of 18. He completed his basic training 
at Camp Elliot in San Diego, CA, where he was trained as a rifleman and 
machine gunner.
  On September 15, 1944, Duke displayed his bravery at the Battle of 
Peleliu in the Pacific. In the struggle, three of his comrades were 
struck down next to him, but Duke still carried on, despite injuries, 
through the 6-day battle. At the end, Duke survived as one of only 29 
Marines left standing in his Battalion. Shrapnel left holes in both of 
his legs, yet instead of returning home, he recovered in only a few 
months on the Island of Guadalcanal and returned to Pavuvu Island. He 
received a Purple Heart and was promoted to Corporal, and became squad 
leader of the 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, A Company.
  Duke returned to combat and quickly became a hero once again in the 
Battle of Okinawa. On May 5, 1945, he rescued 2nd squadron leader, Cpl 
John Brady, throwing him over his shoulder and carrying him to safety 
under heavy fire. Duke immediately returned to the battle where he 
began neutralizing machine gun nests leading up a ridge along with his 
12-person squadron. When he reached the fourth nest, he realized he was 
alone. With his comrades killed or wounded, he forged on to take out 
the last two nests by himself and reached the top of the ridge. In 
taking the ridge, he allowed the First Marine Division to advance. 
Although many of his comrades were honored for their bravery on that 
day, Duke was not recognized for his action.
  Duke ended his service with an honorable discharge on February 28, 
1947, ending 4 years of selfless sacrifice for our nation that will not 
soon be forgotten. At the battles of Okinawa and Peleliu, some of the 
bloodiest battles in the Pacific Theater, Loren Duke Abdalla proved 
time and again his courage, perseverance and ability to sacrifice, 
preventing many potential casualties. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing Corporal Loren Duke Abdalla for his exemplary service and 
dedication to our Nation.

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