[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 24 (Thursday, February 7, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             HONORING MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT DESMOND DOSS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BEN CLINE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2019

  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lynchburg, 
Virginia, native and Medal of Honor recipient, Desmond Doss, on what 
would be his 100th birthday.
  An Army Medic, Pfc. Doss was presented the Congressional Medal of 
Honor, the nation's highest military award, for his heroic actions 
during the infamous World War II Battle of Okinawa.
  According to his Medal of Honor Citation, ``As our troops gained the 
summit, a heavy concentration of artillery, mortar and machinegun fire 
crashed into them, inflicting approximately 75 casualties and driving 
the others back. Pfc. Doss refused to seek cover and remained in the 
fire-swept area with the many stricken, lowering them one by one to the 
edge of the cliff into friendly hands.''
  Though seriously injured himself, Doss spurned an initial rescue 
attempt seeing a more critically wounded man nearby. Awaiting the 
return of litter bearers, Doss was again injured yet crawled 300 yards 
to safety at an aid station.
  ``Through his outstanding bravery and unflinching determination in 
the face of desperately dangerous conditions, Pfc. Doss saved the lives 
of many soldiers,'' the citation read. ``His name became a symbol 
throughout the 77th Infantry Division for outstanding gallantry far 
above and beyond the call of duty.''
  On the date of what would be his 100th birthday, I take this occasion 
to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Pfc. Desmond Doss

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