[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 78 (Thursday, May 22, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MR. ROBERT ISHAM

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. DINA TITUS

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2014

  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent from 
Nevada's First Congressional District, Robert Isham. A young Mr. Isham 
enlisted in the United States Navy on November 4, 1942, in Seattle, 
Washington. He then attended Basic Training in San Diego, California. 
Following his graduation from the Naval Air Technical Training Center 
in Norman, Oklahoma, where he was trained to be an Aviation Machinist 
Mate, he was transferred to the Virginia Naval Air Station in Norfolk, 
Virginia.
  On September 17, 1943, Mr. !sham was seriously injured in an 
explosion and fire at the Virginia Naval Air Station when a 300 pound 
depth charge exploded, setting off a chain reaction of 23 more charges. 
Thirty-three aircraft and at least 15 buildings across the base were 
destroyed. Many were killed and a number of individuals, including Mr. 
Isham, were badly hurt.
  Following a three month stay at Norfolk Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, 
Virginia, Mr. !sham bravely returned to duty and was transferred to 
Quonset Point Naval Air Station in Rhode Island, where he taught 
courses on aircraft structures. Following a year in Rhode Island, Mr. 
Isham was transferred to Corvallis, Oregon, and became a Plane Captain 
on a F4U Corsair fighter aircraft.
  Mr. Isham was discharged from the United States Navy on December 10, 
1945. He was only rated as 10% disabled as a result of shrapnel wounds 
sustained during the tragic explosion in Norfolk, Virginia. He was 
awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the American Area Campaign Medal, and 
the World War II Victory Medal.
  Recently, my office in Las Vegas worked with Robert and the 
Department of Veterans Affairs to increase his disability rating to 
100%, ensuring he receives the benefits he deserved.
  Mr. Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day, we will take time to 
remember many members of the Greatest Generation who have passed away. 
Today, I ask the House to pause for a moment of gratitude in honor of 
my constituent, Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Isham, a member of the Greatest 
Generation and a decorated American hero.

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