[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 211 (Tuesday, December 7, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF PRIVATE ROBERT H. BROOKS AND THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF 
                       THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRETT GUTHRIE

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2021

  Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, today, on the 80th anniversary of the 
attacks on U.S. naval forces at Pearl Harbor, we remember poignantly 
the courage and sacrifice of America's Greatest Generation.
  That legacy of service is rich in Kentucky's Second District, 
exemplified by the seemingly insurmountable challenges faced by Company 
D of the 192nd Tank Battalion, which included the Harrodsburg Tankers.
  On December 8th, across the international dateline and just hours 
after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese bombers descended on Company 
D and other U.S. forces who were stationed in the Philippines at Clark 
Field. A young private and Kentuckian by the name of Robert H. Brooks 
attempted to sprint to his station to fight back against Japanese 
forces. Sadly, he lost his life during his heroic action. He was the 
first casualty of the U.S. Armored Forces in World War II.
  The fighting in the Philippines was relentless for the U.S. service 
members and Company D. All of the remaining 66 Mercer County natives--
known today as the Harrodsburg Tankers--survived the initial conflict. 
However, 29 soldiers were lost to the unimaginable conditions during 
the three years they were held at prisoner-of-war camps.
  At Fort Knox there is a parade field named after Private Brooks, 
called Brooks Field, and we will never forget him and those brave 
soldiers. The bravery of Private Brooks, Company D, and its tankers 
from Harrodsburg are an indelible reminder of the price of freedom for 
all that we must never forget.

                          ____________________