[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 90 (Tuesday, May 24, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E549-E550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF PAUL JOSEPH IANNI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 2022

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, in honor of the life of 
Paul Joseph Ianni, I include in the Record the following letter written 
by his former platoon leader during the Vietnam war, Brice H. Barnes.

       To the Family and Friends of Sgt Paul Ianni: It has been 
     brought to my attention by a fellow Veteran, Mr. Russ 
     Vibberts, that our mutual friend, Mr. Paul Ianni, has 
     transitioned from this world and now rests in the Mighty Arms 
     of our Savior. In 1967, I had the distinct honor of being 
     Paul's Platoon Leader in Vietnam, and knew him as a gentleman 
     and professional soldier. Paul was highly instrumental in our 
     successful exploitation of the largest ammunition and weapons 
     cache ever discovered in the entire Vietnam War, as a 
     volunteer that explored the vast underground tunnel and 
     storage complex. His reports to me were accurate and 
     thorough, enabling us to successfully complete the mission as 
     assigned. For his actions, I nominated Paul for the Bronze 
     Star

[[Page E550]]

     Medal for meritorious service. Later in his tour of duty, 
     Paul participated in another significant battle during the 
     Tet Counter-offensive in Vietnam. At the risk of personal 
     injury or death, Paul delivered highly effective fire upon 
     several enemy positions, thereby enabling his platoon to 
     advance and occupy security positions that guarded a vital 
     road intersection. It is without doubt that Paul's actions 
     saved the lives of many of his fellow platoon members. As a 
     result of his actions, Paul was awarded the Silver Star, our 
     Nation's third highest award for valor and bravery in combat 
     operations. One of his other awards was the Combat 
     Infantryman's Badge, the most prestigious award ever to be 
     bestowed upon an Infantryman.
       On some rare occasions, I was able to telephonically visit 
     with Paul, and always thanked him for his service, and for 
     making me a better leader of other Warriors. Although news of 
     his passing has brought me some personal sadness, I am 
     rejoicing that he is now free of the prejudices and pain that 
     he experienced, and will enjoy the peace and freedom that he 
     so richly deserved.
     Brice H. Barnes,
       Colonel (Ret) U.S. Army, Honorary Colonel, 47th Infantry 
     Regiment.

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