[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 169 (Tuesday, November 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1636]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF COY THOMPSON'S PURPLE HEART PINNING CEREMONY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 17, 2015

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Purple Heart 
pinning ceremony for United States Army Sergeant Coy Thompson of North 
Carolina's 8th Congressional District. It is an honor to extend these 
remarks today and to thank Sergeant Thompson for his brave and selfless 
service to our nation.
   Sergeant Thompson served in the United States Army during the 
Vietnam War with honor and distinction through his support of ground 
forces during aerial missions. During the Tet Offensive, Sergeant 
Thompson was wounded in the line of duty after being hit with fragments 
of shrapnel from a near-by explosion. After returning to the United 
States, Sergeant Thompson was awarded with the Air Medal for his 
actions in support of operations against the enemy. Later, Sergeant 
Thompson was awarded the Bronze and Silver Stars, as well as the Purple 
Heart.
   On Sunday, November 8, 2015, a special ceremony was held at the 
Enochville Church of God in Kannapolis, North Carolina to celebrate 
Sergeant Thompson and recognize him for his valor and service to our 
nation. Sergeant Thompson was surrounded by family and friends who 
gathered to witness this special ceremony in which he was pinned with 
his many medals. Fellow service members were also present and told 
stories of Sergeant Thompson's courage and love for our country.
   I am overjoyed that the Marine Corps League of Cabarrus County and 
his community recognized Sergeant Thompson for his valiant actions 
during the Vietnam War. The men and women in uniform who have answered 
the call to defend our nation represent the best our country has to 
offer and they deserve our continued admiration. Events like this 
special ceremony serve as a reminder that we must never take their 
service and sacrifice for granted, and that we as a nation must 
continually find ways to recognize these heroic patriots for their 
unparalleled dedication to our freedom.
   Mr. Speaker, please join me today in once again commemorating this 
very special occasion, and to thank United States Army Sergeant Coy 
Thompson for his service and dedication to our country.

                          ____________________