[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 168 (Friday, October 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E967]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO ARTHUR WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETH VAN DUYNE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 13, 2023

  Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize our 
Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Arthur Watson. Arthur never shied way from 
protecting his country and fellow man. Before joining the Merchant 
Marines in 1943, Arthur spent two years helping with reconstruction in 
Pearl Harbor where he built warehouses and storage facilities to 
support the Pacific War effort as a member of the Civilian Construction 
Corps.
  As a Mariner during the height of WWII, he was stationed on the SS 
Oklahoma when his ship was torpedoed by a German Nazi sub. Despite the 
explosion throwing him to the ground, the heat blistering his face, and 
flames engulfing the ship, Arthur fought to make his way below deck. He 
rushed to his station to help an Officer crank the lifeboat out to the 
ocean where he and 21 others survived for 18 days at sea. After this 
harrowing experience, his work was not done. He would sail out again, 
bringing supplies to the forces across Europe before eventually leaving 
the Merchant Marines.
  An honorable Veteran and hero to 21 shipmates, he passed away on 
Thursday, October 5 at the age 103 in Grapevine, TX. Through his 
courage and bravery, Arthur encapsulated what it means to have selfless 
service and patriotism.
  I would like to thank Arthur for his irreplaceable sacrifices to 
protect our freedom, and I hope you'll join me in praying for his 
family and friends.

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