[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 59 (Thursday, April 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING SGT. FELIX CONDE-FALCON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2014

  Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero.
  A native son of Puerto Rico, Sgt. Felix Conde-Falcon volunteered to 
join the Army in 1963 and was soon stationed in Texas at both Fort 
Bliss and Fort Hood. He settled in the Lone Star State with his wife 
and young family before answering the call to fight for freedom in 
Vietnam.
  On April 4, 1969, while serving as platoon leader in the vicinity of 
Ap Tan Hoa, Vietnam, Sgt. Conde-Falcon showed extraordinary leadership 
under heavy fire as he took out multiple enemy positions. While his 
heroic actions saved the soldiers serving with him, he was shot and 
killed just as he eliminated the final bunker. He was laid to rest in 
Rogers, TX.
  Nearly a half century later, Sgt. Conde-Falcon was awarded the Medal 
of Honor. Reserved for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call 
of duty, it is our nation's highest military tribute.
  Were Sgt. Conde-Falcon still with us, generals, admirals, and fellow 
warriors of all ranks would honor the hallowed custom of saluting him. 
This simple gesture of respect, admiration, and courtesy speaks volumes 
about the reverence shown to Medal of Honor recipients.
  Were Sgt. Conde-Falcon still with us, he would know how grateful his 
nation is for his service, his heroism, and his commitment to duty. 
He'd know how admired he is by his fellow soldiers. Because of his 
valor, many of his platoon brothers were able to return home. Some 
would honor promises made in the jungles of Vietnam and spend decades 
tracking down Sgt. Conde-Falcon's family to let them know of his 
bravery, leadership, and the impact he had.
  Were Sgt. Conde-Falcon still with us, he would have seen his family 
grow and prosper. His children carried on the tradition of proud 
service in the military. His son Richard would receive the Medal of 
Honor on his behalf.
  Sgt. Conde-Falcon's name, like those of over 58,000, is enshrined 
forever in black stone at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Those 
extraordinary men and women, from a multitude of races, faiths, and 
backgrounds, fought for a country brave enough to confront its past 
imperfections and hopeful enough to embrace a better tomorrow. His 
story, like all of theirs, was one of sacrifice and devotion to 
freedom.
  There is no more deserving recipient of the Medal of Honor than Sgt. 
Felix Conde-Falcon. Despite a life cut short, this brave warrior's 
patriotism, valor, and commitment to service reflect the very best of 
both America and Central Texas. May his legacy remind us of the values 
and freedoms we must never cease to defend.

                          ____________________