[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 30 (Thursday, February 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





    HONORING THE RETURN OF SAM JOHNSON AND THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF 
                          OPERATION HOMECOMING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 15, 2018

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
45th anniversary of my friend and hero, Congressman Sam Johnson, 
returning home from his imprisonment in a North Vietnamese prison camp 
during the Vietnam War. Operation Homecoming, which occurred from 
February through April in 1973, returned 591 American prisoners of war 
held during the Vietnam War.
  During Sam's tenure of nearly three decades in the United States Air 
Force, he unfortunately spent nearly seven years as a prisoner of war 
in Vietnam. During his time in captivity, Sam endured various forms of 
torture, designed to break his will. His continuous defiance caused his 
Vietnamese captors to place Congressman Johnson in a notoriously cruel 
prisoner of war camp, nicknamed the ``Hanoi Hilton.'' Even after being 
subjected to 42 months of solitary confinement and repeatedly tortured, 
Sam never let his captors defeat his resistant spirit and will. On 
February 17, 1973, Sam was able to return home to Texas, where he was 
greeted by his family.
  Colonel Johnson retired after 29-years in the United States Air 
Force, serving as a director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School, a 
commander of the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve 
Base, a commander with an air division out of Holloman Air Force Base, 
and a pilot in the Air Force Thunderbirds. Flying over 62 combat 
missions and being a combat veteran of both the Vietnam and Korean 
Wars, Sam encapsulates patriotism and dedication to his country. For 
his service, Sam was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, 
the Distinguished Flying Cross, and a Bronze Star, among other well-
earned awards.
  It is a privilege and an honor to serve alongside one of my personal 
heroes and true friends. We first served together in the Texas State 
Legislature from 1987 until 1991, when Congressman Johnson was elected 
to represent Texas' 3rd Congressional District. Since being elected in 
2005 for the 24th District of Texas, I have been fortunate to continue 
to serve alongside Sam not only in the House of Representatives, but on 
the Ways and Means Committee as well. My esteemed colleague epitomizes 
service and dedication to our country, with a full and accomplished 
career of public service after serving valiantly in our military.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the 45th anniversary of 
Congressman Sam Johnson's release, and congratulate him on his lifetime 
of service. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
anniversary of Sam's return to the United States; and in remembering 
this anniversary, we also remember all of those captured and imprisoned 
defending our liberty and freedom.

                          ____________________