[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 179 (Tuesday, November 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING HORACE HAMILTON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2018

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to join the City of 
Leander and its Historical Preservation Commission as they honor Horace 
Hamilton, Jr. for his service to our great nation. A survivor of one of 
America's darkest days, he embodies the fighting spirit and patriotism 
that speaks to the best of our shared Texas values.
  Shortly after joining the U.S. Navy, Hamilton boarded the USS Phoenix 
which came to port at Pearl Harbor in early December 1941. A few days 
later, on an early Sunday morning, the Japanese launched a devastating 
surprise attack that propelled America into WWII. Hamilton and his crew 
reacted quickly and began pulling survivors from the water. They worked 
tirelessly, disregarding their own safety in waters covered in burning 
oil, only focusing on getting their fellow sailors out of danger.
  History rarely gives us turning points as stark as December 7, 1941. 
The sneak attack at Pearl Harbor ushered in a nation so powerful and 
generous that nearly every country on earth looks to America for our 
leadership, our vision, and our altruistic pursuit of liberty and 
freedom for all.
  Hamilton went on to bravely serve throughout WWII, participating in 
major naval conflicts including the Battle of Surigao Strait, hailed as 
one of the greatest battles of the Pacific Theater. One of his last 
duties aboard the Phoenix was to pick up survivors of the Battan Death 
March and deliver them to hospitals to recover from their ordeal.
  Horace Hamilton, Jr., along with his brothers and sisters of the 
Greatest Generation, helped lay the foundation for lasting peace across 
the globe and put the world on notice that America will forever stand 
against tyranny. I salute his service and join his family and friends 
in wishing him nothing but the best for the years ahead.

                          ____________________