[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 169 (Thursday, October 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1341-E1342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF PRIVATE WILLIAM BLOUNT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ADRIANO ESPAILLAT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 24, 2019

  Mr. ESPAILLAT. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life of 
Private William Blount, a resident of New York's 13th Congressional 
district who recently passed away. Private Blount grew up in the 
neighborhoods of Manhattan and proudly answered the call of his 
country, when he was drafted into the United States Army on February 
14, 1968, and was assigned to the HHD 523rd Signal Battalion. Private 
Blount was deployed to fight in Vietnam for 11 months with his combat 
tour ending on April 10, 1969.
  For his 11-month deployment and combat in Vietnam, Private Blount was 
awarded the National Defensive Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, 
Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, and for his marksmanship, a 
Sharpshooter Badge for the M-14 Rifle. While Private Blount was 
overseas, he was given orders to join another unit. However, record of 
this order and Private Blount's transfer was lost or unaccounted for in 
the midst of the Vietnam War. Like many soldiers, Private Blount was 
designated as ``AWOL'' for nearly 75 days by the U.S. Army. This 
inaccurate representation of Private Blount's service, like many other 
Vietnam War veterans, is an error both President Ford and President 
Carter recognized, and both submitted Amnesty of Pardons for Vietnam 
veterans under AWOL or Deserter Status.
  Private Blount's record was never cleared and was discharged Under 
Conditions Other Than Honorable. While this design permitted Private 
Blount to receive health care services through the VA, he and his 
family had been prevented from receiving many veterans' benefits while 
he was alive. It is with great sadness that Private Blount passed away 
late last month on September 29, 2019, and due to his designation was 
not permitted to receive a military burial. Private Blount's 
circumstance is not abnormal from other Vietnam veterans whose 
discharge from active service on ambiguous grounds and have been denied 
the benefits and dignity they deserve.
  Private Blount's death is a reminder of the sacrifices required to 
defend our country. But to recognize Private Blount only from his 
passing is a diminution of his life and career following his active 
service. Private Blount was an active member of the United States Army 
Garrison Ft Hamilton's Equal Opportunity Program and has countless 
volunteer hours logged. He received numerous Garrison Commander's 
Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding service and dedication to 
the Equal Opportunity Program.
  Private Blount's unwavering patriotism, invaluable knowledge of 
military tactics as a combatant and lifelong student, and ardent 
representation of combat as a tireless sacrifice

[[Page E1342]]

for his brothers in arms, inspired four of his nephews to enlist in 
active service as well as his niece, Ret. Sergeant First Class Ramona 
Gamble who is a proud 26-year veteran of the U.S. Army.
  His story highlights our obligation to honor the veterans who secure 
the freedoms we all enjoy. Private Blount will not be forgotten. I 
thank him for his bravery and dedication to his country. May he rest in 
peace.