[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S1043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO REVEREND LEONARD ROBINSON

  Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, I wish to speak about one of Wyoming's 
greatest World War II heroes, the Rev. Leonard Robinson. Leonard is a 
special man whose sacrifice speaks louder than his words.
  In 1942, less than 1 year after shipping out from Fort Bliss, TX, 
Robinson found himself among 75,000 American and Filipino soldiers and 
civilians surrendered to the Imperial Japanese Army. He was one of the 
fortunate to survive the barbaric 65 mile, 5-day Bataan Death March. 
Those who were unable to keep up with the march were either beaten or 
shot by Japanese soldiers.
  Robinson was held as a prisoner of war for almost 3\1/2\ years. He 
survived the Bataan Death March, disease, malnutrition, slave labor and 
torture through his faith in God. Both spiritually and physically, 
Reverend Robinson credits the Bible with saving his life during his 
time as a prisoner of war. It is through his faith that he persevered 
through one of the greatest atrocities committed against our soldiers.
  As a prisoner of war, Leonard would often recite Psalm 23 to get him 
through his struggle. Rev. Leonard Robinson's life has been a journey 
of war, suffering, hope and peace. Leonard embraced faith in his 
darkest hours, showed a commitment to duty when all else was lost, and 
held dear to the memory of his brothers in arms who did not return. In 
his battered billfold, Leonard kept a roster of his unit and the names 
of the fallen soldiers. He is a living testament to the often 
overlooked sacrifices that make our men and women in uniform America's 
greatest treasure.
  Today, Reverend Robinson is being honored at the Casper Area Chamber 
of Commerce ``Hiring a Hero'' luncheon. The event's goal is to promote 
veteran employment through recognizing our service men and women who 
have triumphed over adversity with a proven ability to overcome 
challenges and obstacles through strength and determination. I do not 
know of a better example than my friend and my surgical patient Rev. 
Leonard Robinson. He epitomizes the service and sacrifice of our men 
and women in uniform.

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