[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 54 (Monday, March 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF RICHARD L. GUTIERREZ, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of califorina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 28, 2022

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Richard L. Gutierrez, Sr., who proudly served his country in uniform in 
World War II and the Korean War.
  Born August 15, 1925, in East Los Angeles, California, Mr. Gutierrez 
was the son of Frank F. and Esther L. Gutierrez. He attended Riggin 
Elementary School, Garfield High School, Compton College, and the 
University of Southern California.
  Mr. Gutierrez fought in World War II, enlisting in 1943 as a Navy 
Seabee, assigned to the 4th Division of the Marines, Platoon 133 Seabee 
support, Company B. He participated in battles on the islands of 
Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima where he earned the Purple Heart. He also 
served as a Marine in the Korean War, during which, he was recalled to 
Camp Pendleton and served as a Drill Instructor.
  Mr. Gutierrez was married in 1948 to Virginia Lopez. This marriage 
lasted for 50 years. He leaves behind six children: Priscilla, 
Michelle, Richard Jr., Thomas, Aida, and Michael, who is a dedicated 
Catholic priest in La Puente; eleven grandchildren; and six great-
grandchildren.
  After his military career and college training, he worked as an 
aerospace engineer for Douglas Aircraft, North American/Rockwell until 
he retired. During his professional career he was a team member who 
developed the Apollo and lead engineer on the command module of the 
Space Shuttle. Mr. Gutierrez died on March 6, 2022, in Duarte, 
California.
  I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Richard 
L. Gutierrez, Sr., and I urge all my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing Mr. Gutierrez's service to our Nation.

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