[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 16 (Monday, January 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E89]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE SERVICE OF STEPHEN COLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PATRICK RYAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 29, 2024

  Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor the impressive 
record of Mr. Stephen Cole for his service to our country. During the 
Vietnam War, Sergeant Cole was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry 
Regiment, 4th Infantry Division working directly with the intelligence 
section. He was a part of a small patrol reconnaissance and ambush team 
that operated in Vietnam's Central Highlands near the Cambodian border 
and the La Drang Valley. While in Vietnam during a recon patrol, 
Sergeant Cole suffered wounds during a firefight when he was impaled by 
a punji stick after stepping in a booby trap. He was subsequently 
evacuated to the Field Hospital in An Khe for medical treatment. 
Sergeant Cole was awarded the Bronze Star, which is awarded by the 
Department of the Army in recognition of heroic achievement, heroic 
service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat 
zone, in addition to the Purple Heart for wounds he received in action 
in the Republic of Vietnam on July 14, 1970. Sergeant Cole received 
numerous other awards for his service, including the Army Commendation 
Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star Attachments, the 
Combat Infantry Badge, and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon. All 
of these awards are a true representation of Sergeant Cole's true grit 
while in combat. Upon returning home, Mr. Cole was the Regional Public 
Affairs and Communications manager for IBM where he served on the board 
of directors of several regional organizations for economic 
development. He worked at the IBM Kingston facility in my district as a 
corporate liaison before it closed in 1995. Mr. Cole's dedication to 
this country is truly inspiring and I wish him the best of luck in the 
future.

                          ____________________