[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 68 (Thursday, April 20, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF LTC CHARLES KETTLES FOR HIS BRAVERY AND SERVICE TO 
                           THE UNITED STATES

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 20, 2017

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant 
Colonel Charles Kettles for his outstanding service to the United 
States during the Vietnam War. LTC Kettles' quick thinking and actions 
during a firefight with the enemy singlehandedly saved the lives of 44 
fellow service members.
  LTC Kettles began his military career in 1951 when he was drafted 
into the Army. He was then commissioned as an armor officer in the Army 
Reserve in 1953 and subsequently graduated from Army Aviation School, 
after which time he served active duty tours in Japan, Korea and 
Thailand. Kettles returned to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam 
War, where he demonstrated outstanding heroism and service on behalf of 
the country.
  On May 15, 1967, after an airborne infantry unit was ambushed in the 
Song Tra Cau riverbed in Vietnam by the North Vietnamese Army, then-
Major Kettles led three helicopter flights into extremely hostile 
territory to deliver supplies, reinforcements, and evacuate the wounded 
and trapped. During the final flight, shortly after leaving the landing 
zone, then-Major Kettles was informed that eight soldiers remained on 
the ground. Without hesitating, he returned on his own, without regard 
for his own safety and with no other support, to rescue the remaining 
men. For his actions, LTC Kettles was awarded the Medal of Honor on 
June 18, 2016, following a large grassroots effort as well as a special 
Act of Congress to waive the time limit for the award.
  LTC Kettles is a true American hero whose bravery and courage under 
fire are extraordinary and worthy of special commendation. With the 
efforts of the Veterans History Project, his friends and family, as 
well as a bipartisan effort from Congress, LTC Kettles was finally able 
to receive the recognition he deserved. It is a privilege to honor LTC 
Kettles for his selfless actions that saved so many lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring LTC Charles 
Kettles for record of bravery during the Vietnam War. His actions will 
stand the test of time as an example of true valor and courage.

                          ____________________