[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 106 (Monday, June 24, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H5072]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DAVID BELLAVIA

  (Mr. COLLINS of New York asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. COLLINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Iraq war 
veteran David Bellavia, who is, tomorrow, receiving the Medal of Honor 
from President Trump.
  On November 10, 2004, while clearing a block of houses in Fallujah, 
Iraq, then-Staff Sergeant David Bellavia's platoon came under attack. 
David quickly rose to action and charged into a house where his men 
were trapped. He provided cover fire, which allowed his men to safely 
exit the building.
  David then reentered that house, going floor to floor and 
neutralizing the threat by individually killing four insurgents and 
wounding a fifth in what can only be called an epic battle.
  That day, David Bellavia rescued an entire squad and cleared an 
insurgent stronghold, protecting his platoon from further threat.
  Tomorrow, President Trump will award David the Medal of Honor for his 
heroic actions, becoming the first living Iraq war veteran to be so 
honored.
  Congratulations to my constituent and my friend. Most importantly, we 
thank David for his heroic actions and his service to our country.

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