[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 34 (Friday, February 28, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H2069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 0915
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE SERVICE OF SALVADOR LARA AND JESUS DURAN
(Mr. TAKANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Salvador Lara
and Jesus Duran, two Inland Empire heroes who, after decades of being
overlooked, will be awarded the Medal of Honor.
Salvador Lara served in World War II and, while in Italy in 1944, he
``aggressively led his rifle squad in neutralizing multiple enemy
strong points. The next morning, as his company returned the attack,
Lara sustained a severe leg wound but did not stop to receive aid.''
Jesus Duran served in Vietnam and saved several wounded Americans on
a search-and-clear mission in 1969. According to his son, Chuy, ``His
platoon was in a fight and a lot of guys were killed. He thought he was
going to be left for dead, so he decided to take the M60 and unload.''
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, these heroes are no longer with us and
they will receive their Medals of Honor posthumously, but we must never
forget their sacrifice, for it is because of their bravery that we are
able to continue spreading freedom throughout the world.
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