[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 94 (Friday, May 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING STAFF SERGEANT DAVID HERSHBERGER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 28, 2021

  Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sergeant 
David Hershberger as the 2021 recipient of the inaugural Memorial Day 
recognition program for the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia.
  Staff Sergeant Hershberger died on January 10, 1968, in service of 
his country while assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry 
Regiment, 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam war. Staff Sergeant 
Hershberger was involved in close combat with an armed hostile force 
and for his gallantry in action he was posthumously awarded the Silver 
Star.
  Staff Sergeant Hershberger was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 10, 
1947, the first child of Lloyd and Wilchester Woodley Hershberger 
(Chester). Along with his siblings Cindy, Patti, and Charles, David 
relished life in the country. With many aunts, uncles, and cousins 
nearby, he was rooted in family. The Hershberger family faithfully 
attended Laurel Avenue Church of Christ in Chesapeake, Virginia, where 
David attended youth group and was much loved by his church family.
  He attended Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach where he was 
on the track team. He was particularly adept at running hurdles and was 
awarded a trophy for Athlete of the Year. He graduated with the class 
of 1965.
  SSG Hershberger enlisted in the United States Army in 1966 and 
attended his training as an infantryman in Fort Jackson, South 
Carolina. Dr. James D. Johnson served with SSG Hershberger and said 
that, ``David was a natural leader. Everyone, and I mean everyone, in 
Company A, 360th Infantry knew him . . . When David spoke, everyone 
knew to listen and that whatever he said was straight. He was very 
energetic, enthusiastic, mature beyond his years and highly respected 
in everything he did.''
  It is for these reasons and so many more that I am proud to recognize 
Staff Sergeant Hershberger as the 2021 recipient of the Fourth 
Congressional District of Virginia's inaugural Memorial Day recognition 
program for his selfless service to our Commonwealth and our country.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Staff 
Sergeant Hershberger for his devotion to the United States of America 
and his selflessness while in defense of our country.

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