[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E736-E737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER BRITT SLABINSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2018

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and respect that I 
rise to honor Master Chief Petty Officer Britt Slabinski, a native of 
Northampton, Massachusetts.
  Yesterday, Mr. Slabinski was awarded the Medal of Honor, our nation's 
highest award for members of the Armed Forces of the United States.
  Authorized by and awarded in the name of Congress, the Medal of Honor 
acknowledges those service members who display unparalleled bravery and 
a willingness to risk their own lives which clearly and conspicuously 
distinguishes them above their comrades. Mr. Slabinski is only the 12th 
living servicemember to be awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery 
displayed in Afghanistan.
  In the early morning hours of March 4th, 2002, during the mountaintop 
battle of Takur Ghar, Mr. Slabinski led a reconnaissance team in 
support of a major coalition offensive against Al-Qaida forces in the 
valley below. According to the United States Navy, after enemy fire 
brought down one of his team's helicopters, ``without hesitation, then-
Senior Chief Slabinski made the selfless and heroic decision to lead 
the remainder of his element on an immediate and daring rescue back to 
the mountaintop.''
  The Navy notes that Mr. Slabinski, ``with bullets piercing his 
clothing, repeatedly charged into deadly fire to personally engage the 
enemy bunker'' before the situation became untenable. With daylight 
approaching, he maneuvered his team to a more defensible

[[Page E737]]

position, requested reinforcements, and directed the medical care of 
his severely wounded teammates,'' including ``carrying a teammate 
through waist-deep snow during an arduous trek across precipitous 
terrain.''
  Mr. Speaker, the Medal of Honor reflects the acclaim and appreciation 
of our entire nation. It reminds each of us of our sacred obligation to 
look after those who serve our country and defend our freedom. Britt 
Slabinski put his life on the line not only for the sake of his fellow 
soldiers, but for all of us. On behalf of his hometown of Northampton, 
and the entire United States Congress, I offer him my most sincere and 
heartful thanks and gratitude for his service to our nation.

                          ____________________