[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 66 (Monday, May 13, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S3370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING MICHAEL MERRILL

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor PO1 Michael 
Merrill, a sailor who fought in Vietnam.
  Michael grew up in Outlook, MT, and went to Butte in 1961 to enlist 
in the U.S. Navy. He was sent to Millington, TN, for training at the 
Naval Support Activity Mid-South base. In Tennessee, he met his future 
bride, Barbara, whom he married in 1964. Barbara said she always wanted 
to be in the service, and for her, helping take care of Michael was her 
way of contributing to our country.
  Michael traveled back and forth between San Diego and Millington 
until 1969 when he received orders to deploy to the aircraft carrier 
USS Shangri-La as a jet mechanic. The Shangri-La was posted in the 
South China Sea during the Vietnam War.
  For his service during the war, Michael earned the Vietnam Service 
Medal with four Bronze Service Stars.
  After Vietnam, Michael and Barbara headed back to Miramar Naval Air 
Station before a tour on the USS Midway in Japan. Michael's last 
posting was to Whidbey Island in Washington where he worked with a 
helicopter squadron.
  In 1981, after 20 years in the Navy, Michael retired and moved home. 
In Billings, he worked various jobs, including working at a tire supply 
company.
  Michael passed away in 2009, but it was my honor to present the 
honors he earned to his widow Barbara. On behalf of a grateful nation, 
I presented PO1 Michael Merrill's Navy Good Conduct Medal, National 
Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze 
Service Stars.
  I also had the honor of presenting to Michael's widow Barbara, the 
Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Navy ``E'' Ribbon, and the 
Vietnam Campaign Medal with the 1960 device.
  These decorations are small tokens, but they are powerful symbols of 
true heroism. Sacrifice. And dedication to service.
  They are presented on behalf of a nation that will never forget 
Michael Merrill's heroism.

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