[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 135 (Friday, August 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING MR. ALVIN L. ALCE FOR RECEIVING THE PURPLE HEART

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CARLOS A. GIMENEZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 2022

  Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Alvin L. Alce, 
SPC5, a native of Key West and an Army Veteran who served in Vietnam. 
On August 8, 2022, Mr. Alce was formally presented with the Purple 
Heart--the oldest military medal still awarded to service members--at 
Harvey Government Center in Key West. This medal recognizes Mr. Alce's 
extraordinary service and sacrifice after being wounded as a direct 
result of enemy action in Vietnam.
  Mr. Alce was born in Key West on December 17, 1949. At age 18, he was 
drafted into the Army and served in the 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry, 
Americal Division, and the 101st Airborne Division. Mr. Alce received 
decorations for his military service from both the United States Armed 
Forces and the government of South Vietnam, including the Vietnam 
Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation 
with Palm, and the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service 
stars.
  Mr. Alce was wounded in the Battle for Hamburger Hill, which began on 
May 11th, 1969. Paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division fought the 
North Vietnamese for control of the jungle hill in western Vietnam. 
Bitter fighting ensued for ten days, as North Vietnamese forces beat 
back repeated American attacks. On May 20th, American forces with South 
Vietnamese reinforcements finally captured the hill, and the enemy 
retreated across the border to Laos. Mr. Alce was hit many times by 
enemy small arms fire during the battle. American casualties at 
Hamburger Hill numbered 72 killed and 372 wounded.
  In December 2019, Monroe County Veterans Affairs discovered Mr. Alce 
had never received a Purple Heart. Monroe County Veterans Affairs 
successfully petitioned the Department of the Army to correct Mr. 
Alce's record and award him the prestigious medal. This ceremony is the 
culmination of their efforts, and I want to thank Monroe County 
Veterans Affairs for their diligence on behalf of Mr. Alce.
  What an honor it is to recognize Mr. Alce for his sacrifice. He 
bravely put his life on the line serving his Nation in Vietnam, and 
this long overdue medal recognizes his courage. Let this ceremony 
inspire all of us to serve our country however we can as Mr. Alce did.