[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 175 (Wednesday, December 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1832-E1833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING SGT KYLE CLIFTON ON EARNING THE U.S. ARMY ENGINEER 
                           ASSOCIATION'S DE 
                              FLEURY MEDAL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD L. HANNA

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 11, 2013

  Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate SGT Kyle Clifton 
on being presented with the U.S. Army Engineer Association's 
prestigious de Fleury Medal. The de Fleury Medal is awarded by the Army 
Corps of Engineers to honor those individuals who have provided 
significant contributions to Army Engineering. Since 1779, the de 
Fleury Medal has held a special place in the ranks of our service 
engineers for the values that one must demonstrate in order to be 
deemed worthy of its receipt.
  While this medal is certainly a testament to the valor and 
professionalism possessed and exhibited by SGT Clifton, it is also a 
natural tribute to SGT Clifton's distinguished service career with the 
Army Reserve. As the medal itself is inscribed, this is ``a memorial 
and reward for courage and boldness,'' and perhaps more than that it is 
a physical accolade of the thanks that his community, his fellow 
Reservists, and his nation have for the service and sacrifices he has 
devoted to the defense of the United States of America. In addition to 
the de Fleury Medal, SGT Clifton's long list of awards also includes 
the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation 
Medal, and the Combat Action Badge. These honors have been bestowed 
upon SGT Clifton for his proven expertise in service efforts including 
ground clearance missions and professionalism while serving on the 
front line of duty. Throughout his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, SGT 
Clifton proved to be an asset for our Army in holding positions, 
exhibiting versatility within his vehicle command, clearing improvised 
explosive devices (IEDs), and demonstrating exceptional instincts and 
tactics in the midst of contact fire.
  Last year, SGT Clifton's truck was struck by an IED while involved in 
a supply route clearing mission in support of Operation Enduring 
Freedom. This cruel attack seriously injured SGT Clifton and claimed 
the lives of his three brothers in arms who were in the truck with him: 
SSG Dain Venne; SGT Brett Gornewicz; and SPC Ryan Jayne. Upon his 
arrival at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, I had the 
opportunity to personally visit with SGT Clifton and his wife. On that 
day and in the days since then, I have been continuously impressed by 
the progress that SGT Clifton has made in his physical recovery and the 
modesty that he has shown. SGT Clifton exhibits daily the traits of 
bravery, resolve, and a genuine desire to selflessly serve our nation 
that exemplify the very best of our troops.
  While every soldier's experiences are unique, the story of SGT 
Clifton, SSG Venne, SGT Gornewicz, and SPC Jayne shares aspects with 
far too many others that have paid a personal price in their efforts to 
counter the challenges of the modem battlefield. IEDs are the leading 
cause of casualties for American servicemembers and the leading cause 
of injuries afflicting our veterans. In 2012 alone, 104 American troops 
were killed and 1,744 were wounded by these indiscriminate weapons. SGT 
Clifton is just one of the more than 51,000 service members who have 
been wounded in action in our engagements since the September 11, 2001 
terrorist attacks. With these figures in mind, Mr. Speaker, I ask that 
this body join me in continuing to explore and support ways to reduce 
the prevalence of these incidents.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleges to join me in congratulating SGT 
Clifton on being awarded the Steel de Fleury Medal. I express my utmost 
gratitude to him and all of our servicemembers and veterans for their 
valiant service and sacrifices, as well as to all of the families and 
communities who make up the invaluable foundation of support for these 
men and women.

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