[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 143 (Monday, September 9, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S5356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING CHARLES C. MYERS
Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I rise to honor the life of Charles
C. Myers, a proud American and a decorated World War II veteran.
While Charles is no longer with us, his legacy lives on. On behalf of
the U.S. Senate and all Americans, I would like extend our deepest
gratitude for his service to this Nation.
Charles was born on November 19, 1926, in Bismarck, AR. He grew up on
his family's farm in Hot Springs County, where he was raised by his
mother and father, alongside two sisters and three brothers.
Charles had an unyielding sense of adventure, spending his youth
hunting squirrels and riding horses. He quickly earned a reputation as
an avid horseback rider, watchful older brother, and dutiful son.
Like many young men during the war, the Myers boys felt a strong
obligation to defend their country. All four brothers joined the
military throughout the course of the war, including Charles, whose
determination to enlist knew no bounds. He falsified his age on his
enlistment papers, enrolling into the Army as a paramedic. For Charles,
this was a critical moment that filled him with a burgeoning sense of
loyalty and honor.
After Charles completed his training at Fort Bliss, he was sent
overseas, where he served as a highly respected combat medic in the 5th
Cavalry Regiment 1st Cavalry Division of the Army, operating in the
Pacific theater. There, the cross on the back of a combat medic
eventually served as a conspicuous target for the enemy. Charles made
the ultimate sacrifice while saving others, giving his life for our
Nation's freedom.
I now have the profound honor of presenting Charles' family with his
set of military honors. For his bravery in line of duty, Charles C.
Myers received the Purple Heart Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal,
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, World War
II Victory Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation, formerly
Distinguished Unit Citation. These medals serve are a small token of
our country's appreciation for Charles's service and his profound
sacrifice. He is an American hero who has made our Nation proud.
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