[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 178 (Monday, December 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1873]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION 
                    FOR THE THIRD DISTRICT OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 16, 2013

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor 
fourteen distinguished military veterans, community servants, and 
American patriots who call the Third District of Texas home. All 
faithfully answered the call of duty and to place service above self 
for the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves a legacy to be 
remembered, for future generations to follow, a legacy of bravery, 
loyalty, dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless service, bold 
leadership, and undying commitment for their neighbor and nation, the 
following individual has been selected as a recipient of the third 
annual Congressional Veteran Commendation:
  Colonel Dan Prather served in the United States Army from 1963 to 
1993. After participating in ROTC at West Texas State University, Mr. 
Prather was commissioned in the U.S. Army, beginning his military 
career at Fort Hood. As a company commander and aide de camp to Major 
General George Ruhlen, he earned his Ranger tab to improve on his 
infantry skills. During his two tours of Vietnam, he earned the Silver 
Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Combat Valor, and Bronze Oak 
Leaf Cluster, along with numerous other medals.
  As seen from his decorations, Mr. Prather demonstrated countless 
moments of valor, loyalty, and leadership. One exemplary moment was his 
decision to change daytime patrols of the Viet Cong to nighttime 
patrols. The ``Rat Patrol,'' as he called it, was instantly successful, 
capturing weapons, mines, and grenades while neutralizing 34 enemy 
soldiers, all within the first month of operation. In fact, Mr. 
Prather's tactical strategy proved so effective that other U.S. 
Infantries adopted his nighttime model to high levels of success. 
Perhaps even more impressive than his tactical instincts is under his 
command, he lost not one soldier's life through both of his tours in 
Vietnam. That's remarkable leadership.
  To quote a man who served in Prather's battalion at Fort Polk, who 
later became a General, ``What a great soldier, leader, and commander 
Dan Prather was. In my view, he was the best of all . . . whenever I 
faced tough situations as a commander, I often thought of how he would 
have handled it.''
  After his military career, his dedication to service never waned. He 
served as a City Alderman for two terms in Madison, Mississippi, where 
he created local community improvement and infrastructure projects. 
When a horrific flood hit the town, he hopped right in his truck with 
his chain saw to help homeowners clear away rubble and start 
rebuilding. That's the active, selfless and relentless leadership for 
which he will be remembered.
  Colonel Dan Prather, let me both thank and congratulate you on your 
exceptional service to our country and our community both past and 
present. It is my pleasure to award you the 2013 Congressional Veteran 
Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

                          ____________________