[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 144 (Thursday, September 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING LT. T. JAMES CROTTY, USCG

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2017

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr Speaker, today I rise to honor the life 
and heroism of Lt. Thomas J. Crotty of the United States Coast Guard. A 
decorated veteran of the Second World War, Lt. Crotty will finally be 
laid to rest in the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, 75 
years after going missing in action in the Pacific Theater.
  Lt. Crotty was born in Buffalo, New York in the year 1912, and grew 
up on the city's South Side. The youngest of seven siblings, Crotty 
stood out as a natural athlete and leader. In 1929, he coached his 
American Legion baseball team to a national championship.
  After graduating high school, Crotty applied to the United States 
Coast Guard Academy. A standout cadet, Crotty excelled at basketball, 
football, and served as class president during his tenure. In 2014, the 
United States Coast Guard Academy honored Lt. Crotty's legacy by 
dedicating their football season to his memory.
  Upon graduation in 1934, Lt. Crotty went into active duty with the 
United States Coast Guard, quickly demonstrating his leadership 
capabilities and skills. He became the Coast Guard's leading expert on 
demolition, explosives, and mines. In 1941, his unique skillset earned 
him orders to report to the Philippines to assist with defensive 
efforts, a decision that would put Lt. Crotty on a crash course with 
history.
  On December 10th, Japanese forces overran the Philippines just days 
after their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Under brutal assault from 
air and land, Lt. Crotty helped assemble a resistance with his fellow 
servicemen. Together, they launched daring raids in broad daylight 
against Japanese forces in order to secure supplies, ammunition, and 
fuel. His rag-tag band of heroes was instrumental in the defense of 
Manilla, Corregidor, and American supply lines.
  At the Battle of Bataan, Lt. Crotty served with distinction. Manning 
the artillery against oncoming forces, he fought until American forces 
were eventually surrounded on April 9th, 1942. From there, Lt. Crotty 
was made a prisoner of war in the infamous Cambatuan prison camp. It 
was there, after so many months of sacrifice, that he tragically fell 
ill to disease. On July 19, 1942, his brothers-in-arms administered 
last rites. He was then buried outside the camp; it was there in an 
unmarked grave that his remains laid for three-quarters of a century.
  In coordination with the United States Coast Guard, we were able to 
locate Lt. Crotty and bring him back home to the United States. Lt. 
Crotty exemplified the qualities and virtues of heroism and service. 
His service need not be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, I am happy to honor Lt. Thomas J. Crotty and help bring 
his family some amount of closure. I ask that my colleagues join me in 
honoring and remembering the countless American men and women who 
answered the call to duty. We must do whatever we can to support 
families who have loved ones missing in action by assisting in efforts 
to bring our heroes home.

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