[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 10, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E13]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       RECOGNIZING DANNIE NEEDHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETH VAN DUYNE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 10, 2024

  Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful 
Nation and the citizens of the Twenty-Fourth District of Texas, the 
2023 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Dannie 
Needham, Staff Sergeant, United States Air Force, of North Richland 
Hills, Texas for the honorable service he performed while in the Armed 
Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to 
his community.
  Mr. Needham enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1966, serving as a fuel 
specialist, with service in Vietnam. During his time in Vietnam, the 
airbase where he was stationed was attacked by North Vietnamese forces 
as a part of the Tet Offensive. While he was refueling a C-130 
aircraft, an enemy mortar round hit the aircraft destroying it and 
causing secondary explosions across the airfield. With the fuel truck 
still near the aircraft, he raced to move the truck and then 
administered aid to another soldier who had been engulfed in fire 
retardant. His actions during the Tet Offensive earned him the Airman 
of the Year Award for the U.S. Pacific Air Forces. His decorations 
include the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Good Conduct 
Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, 
and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
  The selflessness Mr. Needham demonstrated in the U.S. Air Force 
continues with his service to his community. He actively volunteers 
with the North Richland Hills Police Department and the Knights of 
Columbus. He is also a member of the Men's Club of the Good Shepard 
Catholic Church as well as a volunteer of the church. Mr. Needham's 
service is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States 
Air Force and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, 
and the United States of America.

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