[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 144 (Thursday, September 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1174-E1175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING U.S. ARMY MASTER SERGEANT JOHN DORVAL MINATRA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2017

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, there are no greater heroes than our 
veterans and active military. In worldwide campaigns, they courageously 
and selflessly serve and protect our nation from foreign and domestic 
threats. Their efforts have never failed us.
  Today, I would like to recognize and honor U.S. Army Master Sergeant 
John Dorval Minatra for his extraordinary heroism and exceptional valor 
in operations during Indo China, Korea, and Vietnam warfare. In the 
Republic of Vietnam, he was cited several times for valor in combat 
with U.S. and Vietnamese awards--most notably the Purple Heart, 
Distinguished Service Cross, and three Bronze Stars. For his Ranger 
spirit in three voluntary tours of duty, three assignments training the 
Vietnamese Battalion with the Mountain Ranger Committee, service as 
Ranger Advisor to the Vietnamese Airborne Battalion, and third 
voluntary tour with the IV Corps HQ, he received the Ranger Hall of 
Fame medallion--a validation of ``Rangers Lead the Way.''
  MSG Minatra's tactical knowledge, initiative, high standards, and 
unswerving desire to train and produce the best possible warrior made 
him an inspirational model for Rangers. His ability to rally and direct 
soldiers under fire, while wounded, reflects great credit upon himself, 
his unit, and the U.S. Army.
  Leadership is not as it appears, but as it performs. We join his 
children Barry, Larry and Melissa, nine grandchildren and 11 great-
grandchildren in gratitude for his guidance, heroism, and devotion 
through 20 years of military service.

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