[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 23, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S5011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MAHLON PAUL MANSON

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Mahlon Paul 
Manson, a Montanan and decorated veteran of the Vietnam war.
  Montanans and all Americans owe Paul the deepest gratitude for his 
service to this Nation.
  Paul was born in San Diego, CA, on September 17, 1948. When he was in 
first grade, his mother and three sisters moved to Deer Lodge, MT, 
where he spent his youth. Paul completed high school in 1967 and 
enlisted in the Army immediately following graduation.
  During the summer of 1967, Paul worked for the Forest Service shortly 
before starting military training at Fort Lewis, WA. He also received 
advanced training to be a combat engineer at Fort Leonard Wood, MO.
  Before leaving for Vietnam, Paul returned home for 2 weeks where he 
got a glimpse into the strength of shared ideals. When he landed at the 
airport, his bus was not scheduled to arrive for 6 more hours. Not one 
to wait idly by, Paul decided to try his luck hitchhiking home.
  In a moment of serendipity and brotherhood, a military car driving by 
saw Paul walking along the side of the road in his uniform, offered to 
give him a ride, and drove him home. This moment left a deep and 
lasting impact on Paul, who felt an instant bond with his fellow 
servicemembers.
  Paul arrived in Vietnam in early 1968 with this sentiment in mind. 
That year, he fought--and survived--a number of attacks, including one 
of the largest military campaigns of the Vietnam war, the Tet 
Offensive.
  He also showed incredible courage when his convoy came under attack 
near Lai Khe. While heavily engaged with the enemy, Paul put his own 
life on the line by jumping out of his military vehicle to encourage 
the convoy to keep moving. His heroic act helped the U.S. facilitate a 
counterattack against the Viet Cong, ultimately clinching an important 
victory. Paul's heroism did not go without recognition--he received a 
Bronze Star, with a ``V'' for Valor on August 20, 1968 for his 
leadership.
  After retiring from Active Duty in 1970, Paul returned to Montana to 
work for the Milwaukee Railroad. He also continued his devotion to 
service by becoming a recruiter for the Montana National Guard.
  When he retired from the Army, Paul attended the University of 
Montana. He graduated in 1996 and began working for U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection in Missoula and Sweet Grass and in Washington State 
as a Port Director. In total, Paul has given the Nation over 20 years 
of Federal Service and continues to serve the Nation in a different 
capacity today, as a volunteer for Team Rubicon.
  Paul and his wife, Fran, have been happily married for 48 years. 
Together, they have a son, Mahlon Patrick, and a daughter, Michelle, as 
well as two grandchildren.
  Although Paul has undeniably led an eventful life, he humbly 
maintains that he is simply doing his job. ``Life is a buffet'' he 
says, a perfect idiom for how he is able to make the most of the 
opportunities that come his way.
  I have the profound honor of presenting Paul with his military honor. 
For his bravery in the line of duty, Mahlon Paul Manson is receiving a 
Bronze Star Medal with a ``V'' for Valor. This medal serves as a small 
token of our country's appreciation for his service and profound 
sacrifice. Paul is an American hero and has made Montana proud.

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