[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 9, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E25]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING LT. COL. HAROLD ``HAL'' FRITZ ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS 
                             MEDAL OF HONOR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 9, 2019

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant 
Colonel Harold ``Hal'' Fritz on the 50th Anniversary of receiving his 
Medal of Honor. Lt. Col. Fritz is one of 74 living Medal of Honor 
recipients.
  A resident of Peoria, Illinois for the past 25 years, Lt. Col. Fritz 
honorably served our nation as a platoon leader in the Vietnam War. 
During his time as a Captain, Lt. Col. Fritz acted with great courage 
to receive the Medal of Honor. Captain Fritz was leading his fellow 
soldiers on a convoy when they were suddenly ambushed, and as a result, 
surrounded by the enemy. After receiving heavy fire, Captain Fritz was 
wounded, but instead of treating himself, he thought of those fighting 
alongside him. Captain Fritz responded swiftly by returning fire, 
directing the men with him, and treating their wounds. These 
extraordinary actions taken by Captain Fritz led him and his men away 
from danger. Lt. Col. Fritz showed immense bravery, and I commend him 
on his actions during the Vietnam War. The Medal of Honor is a great 
distinction and it is fitting that Lt. Col. Fritz actions are 
recognized in this way.
  It is because of dedicated and selfless leaders such as Lt. Col. 
Harold ``Hal'' Fritz that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th 
Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally 
honor Lt. Col. Hal Fritz on the 50th Anniversary of his receipt of the 
Medal of Honor.

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