[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 167 (Tuesday, November 10, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7892-S7893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              VETERANS DAY


              Lucius Forsyth and Robert ``Emmett'' Stanley

  Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. President, in commemoration, celebration, and honor 
of Veterans Day, I would like to share the stories of two Louisiana 
heroes who served in World War II: Lucius Forsyth and Robert ``Emmett'' 
Stanley--two Louisianans who answered the call to serve and did so most 
honorably.
  Lucius Forsyth left his home in Paulina, LA, to serve in World War II 
in his late teens as a U.S. Navy seaman aboard the USS Saratoga. On 
February 21, 1945, Lucius and the crew of the Saratoga experienced the 
most concentrated assault of World War II against a warship. The 
Saratoga and her 3,500 sailors fought bravely as the Japanese forces 
attacked the ship for 3 hours. Bombs were dropped and five Japanese 
kamikazes crashed their aircraft into the Saratoga.
  Seven levels below the main deck, Lucius knew that the impact of a 
bomb or a kamikaze near his location would

[[Page S7893]]

mean certain death. Ignoring the danger, Lucius continued to work in 
the compartments adjacent to the ammunition stockpiles. Mr. President, 
125 members of the Saratoga lost their lives that day.
  Lucius remained aboard the Saratoga for the rest of the war. After 
the Japanese surrendered, he returned home, married Rita Bourgeois of 
Gonzales, LA, raised 5 children, and today is blessed with 21 
grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
  The other Louisiana veteran I would like to recognize is Robert 
``Emmett'' Stanley. Born in New Orleans in 1923, Emmett left home 
shortly after graduating from high school to serve the United States. 
He enlisted in the Navy Reserve in 1943 and served as a seaman first 
class on the USS Luce.
  On the morning of May 4, 1945, 1 day after Emmett's 22nd birthday, 
Japanese kamikaze pilots attacked the USS Luce. Emmett was knocked to 
the deck as shrapnel pierced his scalp through his steel helmet and 
fragmented pieces went into his legs. He still feels pain from those 
injuries today.
  Emmett and the other crew members were soon given orders to abandon 
the USS Luce after more kamikazes struck. Emmett swam 40 yards away 
from the sinking ship to avoid being sucked under by the waves, but a 
second explosion forced more shrapnel into his stomach. Out of the 312 
men on the USS Luce, 126 were killed in the attack.
  Although eligible then, Emmett did not receive his Purple Heart until 
October 17 of this year, when he was the honoree at the U.S. Navy 
Birthday Ball. He was thrilled to be surrounded by his entire family.
  These are two stories about heroism and valor, but there are many 
more. Let me brag a little bit about a couple of young men who work on 
my staff.
  One young man, Chris Anderson, enlisted in the Army after completing 
his college education. He could have pursued business or graduate 
school, but Chris wanted to serve our country in the War on Terror. He 
did so bravely and honorably in Afghanistan clearing ordnance. Imagine 
what his mother thought every night, knowing the job he had. Now he is 
a tireless advocate for VA reform so that those he served with can get 
the care they need and deserve.
  Another member of my staff back in Baton Rouge, Michael Eby, served 
in the Louisiana National Guard for 9 years and was awarded the 
National Defense Medal and the Louisiana War Cross.
  To Lucius, Emmett, Chris, and Michael and all who served and serve 
now, thank you for your service. This Veterans Day and every day, we 
remember your sacrifices, courage, and dedication to ensuring that our 
children, their children, and we all can live in freedom in the 
greatest Nation in the world. May God bless you, your families, and the 
United States of America.
  I thank the Chair, and I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Boozman). The Senator from Pennsylvania.

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