[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 206 (Tuesday, November 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE MILITARY SERVICE OF CEDRIC STOUT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 30, 2021

  Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Navy Motor 
Machinist Second Class (MM2C) Cedric Stout of Bridge City, Texas. Mr. 
Stout enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1941 and was aboard the USS Utah 
anchored at Pearl Harbor the morning of December 7. At 100-years-old, 
he is believed to be the only remaining Pearl Harbor survivor in 
Southeast Texas.
  Mr. Stout was born to Frank and Rita Nezat Stout and spent his 
childhood in Leonville, Louisiana. Growing up, he labored with his six 
brothers and seven sisters as sharecroppers working the fields by hand 
to make ends meet for their family. Like many others in rural Louisiana 
during the Great Depression, the Stout home was without electricity or 
indoor plumbing. At the age of 17, Mr. Stout joined the Civilian 
Conservation Corps (CCC) where he helped build national parks in 
Oregon.
  After returning to Louisiana, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 
23, 1941. Following boot camp in San Diego, he was stationed in Hawaii 
at Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Utah. On the morning of December 7, Mr. 
Stout was awakened by the sound of Japanese aircraft attacking our 
Pacific Fleet. With the ongoing bombardment happening around him, he 
knew his chances of survival were slim. Yet, by the grace of God, he 
managed to get to safety. Tragically, the USS Utah, and many on board, 
were not so lucky. The battleship's substantial damage made it capsize 
and sink in a mere seven minutes.
  Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Stout was reassigned to a 
light cruiser, the USS Detroit (CL-8). Later, while participating in 
the invasion of Saipan, his landing craft sank, leaving him and the 
other surviving crew members to be rescued. For his military service, 
Mr. Stout received the following commendations: the Navy Expeditionary 
Medal, American Campaign Medal, American Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific 
Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
  While on leave in 1944, Mr. Stout married Delma Courville of Sunset, 
Louisiana. The couple had nine children together. Their names are 
Shirley Harmes, Julie Pike, Gerald Stout, Darlene Montagne, Janet 
Johnston, Janine Carter, Denise Evavold (passed away in 1997), Daniel 
Stout, and Theresa Hock. Mr. Stout and his wife also had 20 
grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. After his service in World 
War II, Mr. Stout moved his family to Bridge City, Texas, in 1959 and 
began driving a city bus in Port Arthur, Texas, for two years before 
becoming a salesman for the Price Cigar and Candy Company. He retired 
in 1988.
  Sadly, Delma passed away in 1999. He married his second wife, Cherry 
Tiller, in 2000. Together, they remain committed to their large family, 
including the Stout and Tiller children, grandchildren, and great-
grandchildren. Mr. Stout and Cherry enjoy attending mass together, 
sharing household chores, and gardening. In fact, this impressive 
centenarian can still be spotted mowing the yard on his John Deere 
tractor.
  Madam Speaker, I salute this American hero for his valiant service in 
the U.S. Navy during World War II and in recognition of a fortitude few 
share, but all are grateful for. I congratulate this newly-minted 
centenarian on a life well-lived. May God continue to bless him for his 
service to his country, community, and family.

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