[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 26, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       RECOGNIZING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS EDWARD ``GRADY'' HALCOMB

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DENNIS A. ROSS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 2017

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant First Class 
Edward ``Grady'' Halcomb and his brave and selfless acts while serving 
as a medic for Company B, 1st Battalion of the 29th Infantry Division 
in the United States Army during the Korean War. Sergeant First Class 
Halcomb passed away on July 2, 2017.
  A veteran of 20 years of service, Sergeant First Class Halcomb's 
strength and care for his fellow soldiers during the war was truly 
exemplary. At only 19 years old, he endured and witnessed unspeakable 
horrors that no one should ever have to experience. No matter how 
dangerous or grim the circumstances, he never gave up hope on his 
fellow soldiers, his country or himself.
  His company was outnumbered by North Korean troops, depleted of all 
ammo, and captured. One of only 11 men left after battle, then-Private 
First Class Halcomb was forced to walk the 120-mile Seoul Death March 
to Pyongyang, North Korea, where he and more than 300 American troops 
were held as prisoners of war (POWs).
  As numerous soldiers were dying daily from malnutrition and medical 
issues, Private First Class Halcomb risked his life day-after-day to 
protect and save his fellow soldiers by helping to negotiate food and 
medicine for them.
  After 85 torturous and terrifying days of being POWs, Private First 
Class Halcomb and four other soldiers miraculously escaped and were 
rescued, only days before the rest of the prisoners were brutally 
murdered.
  Sergeant First Class Grady Halcomb's valor, sacrifice and service to 
this country communicate an incredible testimony of a man who put his 
life on the line for America and its people. Because of him, and 
soldiers like him, we are able to enjoy the benefits of living in the 
greatest nation on Earth.
  Although we owe more to Sergeant First Class Halcomb than we can 
never truly repay, one of my greatest honors and joys of being a Member 
of Congress was presenting him with the Distinguished Service Cross, 
for which he so richly deserved and humbly accepted after never seeking 
any recognition or glory for his heroic actions.
  Not only was Sergeant First Class Halcomb a tremendous soldier, he 
was also an exceptional representation of the Polk County communities 
that I am honored to represent. Having the opportunity to meet him and 
his family is a treasure I will forever hold close to my heart.
  The depth of appreciation, respect and admiration I have for Sergeant 
First Class Halcomb and his fellow soldiers is immeasurable. He will be 
dearly missed.
  Let us never forget or take for granted the selfless and courageous 
acts by Sergeant First Class Halcomb and our service members to protect 
us and our freedoms every single day. May God bless them all, and may 
God bless the United States of America.

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