[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 80 (Wednesday, May 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E664-E665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LIFE AND SACRIFICE OF FIREMAN 2ND CLASS LOWELL EARL VALLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2018

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor today to acknowledge the life 
and sacrifice of Fireman 2nd Class Lowell Valley, who died in service 
to his country during the Pearl Harbor attacks in 1941. I ask that you 
join with me and the people of Michigan's First District in honoring 
the heroic sacrifices of our service men and women as Lowell's remains 
are returned to his home in Michigan after 77 years.
  Lowell Earl Valley was born on July 20, 1922, in Ontonagon, Michigan. 
Following his high school graduation, Lowell enlisted in the U.S. Navy 
and was assigned to the USS Oklahoma. On December 7, 1941, the Oklahoma 
was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by 
Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, 
causing it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the 
deaths of 429 crewmen, including Lowell. Following the attack, 394 of 
the lost service members were unable to be identified and were laid to 
rest in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific,

[[Page E665]]

known as the ``Punchbowl,'' in Honolulu, Hawaii.
  In 2015, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency exhumed remains from 
the Punchbowl, with the goal of returning identified service members to 
their families. After two years of work, Lowell was identified in 
January of 2018 by using DNA from his brother Bob and other family 
members. He is the last of three Upper Peninsula men who were killed in 
the Pearl Harbor attack to be identified.
  Lowell's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the 
Punchbowl Cemetery, along with the others who are missing from World 
War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has 
been accounted for. Following his death Lowell was honored with a 
Purple Heart, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory 
Medal. An interment ceremony for Lowell will be held on July 14, 2018, 
at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Ontonagon. His remains will be 
escorted by a full Honor Guard and rifle squad, as well as by Veterans 
from across the country.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Lowell Valley for making the 
ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country. On behalf of Michigan's 
First Congressional District, I ask you to join with me in honoring an 
American hero as he returns home.

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