[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 186 (Friday, October 22, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H5824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND BRAVERY OF CORPORAL DUANE E. DEWEY

  (Mr. HUIZENGA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of 
Corporal Duane E. Dewey for his service, sacrifice, and dedication to 
our country.
  Corporal Dewey's instinctive action and bravery saved the lives of a 
number of his fellow soldiers and earned him the highest military 
decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor.
  He began his service in the Marine Corps in 1951 when he enlisted for 
the duration of the Korean war.
  On April 16, 1952, Corporal Dewey and his fellow marines were engaged 
in a firefight where they were outnumbered more than 20-1. During this 
fight, Corporal Dewey was wounded in the legs by an enemy grenade. 
While being treated for this injury, another grenade was thrown within 
reach.
  At a moment's notice, Corporal Dewey grabbed the grenade and 
literally sat on it while pulling the medic who was treating him onto 
his body, using his body as a shield to save those around him.
  Amazingly, although he sustained severe injuries from both grenades 
and a separate additional bullet wound to the abdomen, Corporal Dewey 
survived the fight.
  These actions of this great, brave, and courageous man earned 
Corporal Dewey the Medal of Honor, which I hold here today, his 
challenge coin. It was actually presented by President Dwight D. 
Eisenhower himself, the first one that he did personally, who notably 
remarked--accurately, I would say--that Corporal Dewey must have a 
``body of steel.''
  Madam Speaker, Corporal Dewey is the epitome of an American hero. May 
we honor his legacy and never forget his selfless actions.

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