[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 88 (Monday, May 22, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS J. KINSMAN

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. DOUG COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 22, 2017

  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas 
Kinsman , a Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient.
  Kinsman was born in Gainesville, Georgia and enlisted as a private 
first class in 1967. In February of 1968, his company came under attack 
during a reconnaissance in-force mission, and it was there that Kinsman 
performed the ultimate act of selflessness: He spared the lives of his 
comrades by throwing himself on top of a grenade.
  President Nixon described Kinsman's selflessness best when he awarded 
him the Medal of Honor for ``his indomitable courage, complete 
disregard for his personal safety and profound concern for his fellow 
soldiers.''
  Mr. Speaker, I believe selflessness and service are connected. We 
cannot fully serve our neighbors if we are not willing to sacrifice our 
own comfort, resources, and even well-being. Thomas Kinsman humbled 
himself in order to protect his fellow servicemen.
  As Americans, we are indebted to servant heroes like Kinsman, for it 
is men and women like him that instruct us in what it means to defend 
the life and liberty of our fellow citizens. It is my hope that his 
legacy will live on as an example of what it truly means to serve 
others and our country.
  I thank Mr. Kinsman.

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