[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 68 (Thursday, April 20, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF DICK THELEN FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE DURING THE 
                            SECOND WORLD WAR

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 20, 2017

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dick Thelen for 
being named a finalist for the Wins for Warriors Veteran of the Year 
Award at the 2017 Governor's Fitness Awards Banquet. Mr. Thelen served 
his country with distinction and demonstrated extraordinary courage 
during the sinking of the USS Indianapolis during World War II.
  Mr. Thelen, born and raised in Lansing, Michigan, joined the United 
States Navy in 1944 at the age of 17. The following year, he was posted 
on the USS Indianapolis in the Pacific as it was tasked with delivering 
the first atomic bomb to the Mariana Islands. After completing this 
task, the ship moved toward the Philippines to meet up with the 7th 
Fleet in preparation for a possible invasion of the Japanese mainland. 
However, during its voyage, the USS Indianapolis was attacked and sunk 
by a Japanese submarine. In the aftermath, Thelen and hundreds of other 
sailors were forced to float in the water for days while awaiting 
rescue. Of the crew of 1,197, only 317, including Thelen, made it home.
  Thelen is a true hero who endured unspeakable hardship during his 
service to the United States. His actions and cool head during the 
aftermath of the USS Indianapolis sinking saved lives, and perseverance 
and character during these difficult circumstances speaks to his 
resourcefulness and tenacity. It is heartening to see Mr. Thelen 
continue to be recognized for his heroism, and events like these 
provide an important opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices our 
veterans make for our country and the values that it represents.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dick Thelen 
for being named a finalist for the 2017 Wins for Warriors Veteran of 
the Year Award. Mr. Thelen is a true hero who has made tremendous 
sacrifices on behalf of our country.

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