[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 26, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H7079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF U.S. ARMY RET. SPECIAL FORCES MAJOR JOHN J. 
                                 DUFFY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Panetta) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the heroic service of 
U.S. Army Retired Special Forces Major John J. Duffy.
  Recently, Major Duffy was recognized as a recipient of the Medal of 
Honor--not just for his service, but for his gallantry and intrepidity 
above and beyond the call of duty.
  A resident of my district in Santa Cruz, California, Major Duffy 
served four combat tours in Vietnam, oftentimes operating well behind 
the enemy lines. Throughout his time in the military, he was the 
recipient of 64 awards and decorations, 29 of which are for valor.
  Recently at a ceremony at the White House, Major Duffy received the 
Medal of Honor from President Joe Biden. The medal was in recognition 
of his actions on April 14 and 15, 1972, when Major Duffy was the 
adviser for the 2nd Brigade of the 11th Airborne Division for the 
Republic of Vietnam.
  Over those 2 days, Major Duffy valiantly defended Fire Support Base 
Charlie against an attack from a battalion-sized group of the enemy. 
During the battle Major Duffy took charge after his CO was killed in 
action. Despite constant attacks by the enemy and being shot multiple 
times, he refused to leave, and he returned enemy fire as he tended to 
his wounded soldiers. During the eventual evacuation of the base, he 
led the operation and continued to tend to his soldiers who were 
wounded in action. He finally left the base, but he was the last man to 
do so.
  Major Duffy exemplifies the heroism that is required to earn this 
award and represents the type of service and sacrifice that is at times 
necessary in combat for our brothers in arms and for our country. That 
is why we in our community, on the central coast of California, are so 
proud to call Major John Duffy our neighbor, a veteran, and our 
countryman of the United States of America.


              Recognizing the Life of Diane Porter Cooley

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of Diane 
Porter Cooley, a pillar of the Pajaro Valley and Santa Cruz County 
community.
  Born to a family that settled in Santa Cruz County in the 1850s, 
Diane was raised on Las Lomas Ranch in Watsonville. Diane had a deep 
connection to the land and to the people of the central coast of 
California. Her father, Tom, was one of the four founders of Driscoll's 
Berries, and Diane continued her involvement with agriculture until her 
passing earlier this year.
  A deeply passionate civic leader, Diane worked tirelessly to protect 
and preserve the environment and was an outspoken advocate for the 
people of the Pajaro Valley. She was a dynamic agent of change who 
championed the creation of the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, the Pajaro 
Valley Arts Council, the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, and 
the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.
  Madam Speaker, Diane Cooley's outreach and philanthropy extended far 
and wide throughout our community. As Santa Cruz County bids farewell 
to its beloved daughter of 95 years, may her legacy of giving continue 
to inspire all of us for generations to come.

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