[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 18, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THOMAS WATSON HARRELL, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 18, 2013

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Thomas Watson 
Harrell, Sr., a World War II Navy veteran who passed away recently at 
the age of 91.
   Born in Cuthbert, GA on October 12, 1921, Mr. Harrell enlisted in 
the Navy in 1942 and was first stationed in Norfolk, VA. Mr. Harrell 
served honorably and faithfully until 1945, rising to the rank of 
Quartermaster Second Class. For most of his service, Mr. Harrell sailed 
aboard the destroyer escort USS Crouter (DE-11). He was one of the 
original crew members and a part of the initial shakedown cruise. The 
Crouter would go on to see almost all of its action in the volatile 
South Pacific, including escorting the invasion force bound for 
Okinawa.
   Mr. Harrell represents a part of this country's greatest generation, 
distinguished by their honor and sacrifice. Mr. Harrell's story will be 
preserved for future generations as a part of the Library of Congress's 
Veterans History Project, which preserves and makes accessible to 
future generations the personal accounts of American war veterans so 
that others may understand their stories and sacrifice.
   Mr. Harrell was proud of his service and was an active member of the 
Destroyer Escort Sailors Association. Always mindful of his civic 
duties, Mr. Harrell was active in supporting his elected 
representatives and never missed an opportunity to vote, even voting in 
the last election by absentee ballot from his nursing home.
   I am honored today to recognize the service of Mr. Thomas Watson 
Harrell, Sr. and his contributions to the United States of America.

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