[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 153 (Thursday, September 21, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E877-E878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING DORSEY O'NEAL WALKER, ONE OF THE OLDEST LIVING SURVIVORS OF 
                         THE BATTLE OF IWO JIMA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2023

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dorsey O'Neal 
Walker, a Texan who valiantly served our Nation during some of the 
darkest hours of WWII.
  Dorsey grew up in Ora, a small Angelina County community, graduating 
in 1942 from Huntington High School. Drafted during WWII,

[[Page E878]]

he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1944. Assigned to the Fourth Marine 
Division in Maui, Hawaii, as Company Clerk because he could type, 
Dorsey would soon deploy with the Fourth Marines in 3 major Pacific war 
battles: Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. When returned to Maui from 
Saipan for replacements, he was 1 of only 12 among 200 in his company 
not killed or wounded. Then Corporal Walker's first Reserve separation 
from the Corps occurred in December 1945; his final Reserve separation 
occurred in 1948. Dorsey and his wife Habie have been married for 77 
years.
  Commendation Citations received from his Commanding General 
illuminate Dorsey's valor:

       ``For excellent performance of duties in connection with 
     operations against the enemy on Saipan and Tinian, Marianas 
     Islands from 15 June to 1 August 1944. Private First Class 
     Walker diligently performed every assigned duty. His 
     willingness to give battle, and his indifference to the 
     hardships which he encountered throughout operation, evoked 
     the admiration of his officers and the men serving with him. 
     His unselfish devotion to the task at hand was a material 
     contribution to the early and complete victory over the 
     enemy. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest 
     traditions of the United States Naval Service.''
       ``For excellent service in the line of duties as a Radio 
     Operator with a rifle company in combat with the enemy on Iwo 
     Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945. 
     Corporal Walker skillfully carried out his assigned duties 
     under the most hazardous combat conditions. Frequently, on 
     reconnaissances with his company commander or at a forward 
     observation post, he unhesitantly exposed himself to enemy 
     mortar and small arms fire to carry out his duties 
     successfully, and by his extraordinary resourcefulness and 
     efficiency, he rendered invaluable aid to his company. His 
     conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions 
     of the United States Naval Service.''

  It is my distinct honor to recognize Dorsey O'Neal Walker, a Texan, 
an American, and a ``True Patriot,'' as one of the oldest living 
survivors of the Battle of Iwo Jima.