[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 184 (Wednesday, October 20, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1119-E1120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MR. LOY OWNBY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DIANA HARSHBARGER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 20, 2021

  Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and 
service of Mr. Loy A. Ownby of Sevierville, Tennessee. Loy was born on 
August 9, 1920 and passed away on February 5, 2004.
  He was a highly decorated Veteran of the United States Army, having 
served in World War II in Burma, China, and India as a member of the 
famous Merrill's Marauders.
  Officially named the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), this elite 
unit was a United States long range penetration special operations 
jungle warfare unit which fought in the South-East Asian theatre of 
World War II. In slightly more than five months of combat, the 
Marauders had advanced nearly 1,000 miles through some of the harshest 
jungle in the world, fought in five major engagements and battled 
hunger, fevers, and diseases as they traversed more jungle terrain than 
any other U.S. Army formation during World War II. They had the rare 
distinction of each soldier being awarded the Bronze Star, Silver Star 
and the Burma Liberation Medal. Their unit was also awarded the 
Distinguished Unit Citation.

[[Page E1120]]

  On December 5, 2019, the United States Senate passed Senate Bill 743, 
the Merrill's Marauders Congressional Gold Medal Act, to honor their 
extraordinary service. On September 22, 2020, the House of 
Representatives also passed the bill by unanimous consent. The 
Congressional Gold Medal is the highest expression by Congress of 
national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions 
to the country.
  Loy's legacy of love includes his marriage to his wife, Beatrice; of 
fifty-nine years, and his children who are so proud of his service, 
Freda Carver, Linda Ownby, Paul Ownby, and Steve Ownby.
  Madam Speaker, Loy A. Ownby faithfully served his country under the 
most difficult situations possible and as a member of Merrill's 
Marauders. I proudly honor his legacy and service.

                          ____________________