[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 158 (Monday, September 14, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E836-E837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF VINCENT ``VIC'' SHUTTERA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 14, 2020

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a great 
marine, Vincent ``Vic'' Shuttera who passed away July 30, 2020. Vincent 
served in the Marine Corps at the first offensive land battle of 
Guadalcanal and continued his service in the Central Valley. He was a 
veteran, an honorable friend, a father, and a patriot in the community.
  VIncent was born on April 11, 1918 in Stanislaus County to Frank and 
Hannah Shuttera. After graduating high school, Vincent was selected for 
the first group of young men to take part in the Boys State program's 
inaugural year. After a few years of college, Vincent joined the 
military--a decision that would change his life.
  In 1943, Vincent joined the Marine Corps and became a driver of a 
tank destroyer with a .75 mm gun. He later joined the pistol range and 
became one of the top marksmen in his unit.
  Vincent was stationed in San Diego, then moved to Oceanside's Camp 
Pendleton. The unit was then transported to the island of Guadalcanal. 
To support the regimental and headquarters companies. Vincent served 
there for six months. From his view on the island, he witnessed the 
sinking of more than 50 war ships in Navy battles.
  After his duty in Guadalcanal, Vincent was ordered to New Zealand 
where he contracted malaria. He returned to the United States on July 
3, 1943 still in poor health from malaria. He spent nearly a year in 
Oak Knoll hospital in Santa Cruz, California. Vincent would finish his 
service with the Marine Corps with an honorable discharge as Corporal 
Vincent Shuttera.
  After serving in World War II, Vincent started a family, moved to 
Modesto, California and started a truck driving business, where he 
worked with large equipment like tractors, scrapers, and bulldozers on 
farmland.
  Vincent dedicated his life to his fellow veterans and telling stories 
about his experiences in World War II. He was the guest speaker for 
Boys State, was on the Central Valley Honor Flight, in the Marine Corps 
League, American Legion Post 4, in the Central Valley Veterans Day 
Parade, and more.
  Vincent is survived by his sons, Steve and Mark Shuttera, and his 
daughter Vicki Essman. Grandchildren Michelle Launier, Sacbe Shuttera, 
Brian Day, Brandi Shuttera, Charlie Shuttera, and his great-
grandchildren Matthew Silva, Audrey Shuttera, Gavin Launier, Autumn 
Day, Ahren Shuttera, Luke Launier, and Jacob Day.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating and 
honoring the life of Mr. Vincent Shuttera. His advocacy and service to 
his country will be remembered for many years to come. We join his 
family, friends and community in honoring his great life and legacy.

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