[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 37 (Thursday, February 29, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING STEPHEN COLE FOR HIS SERVICE

  (Mr. RYAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor the impressive 
record of one of my constituents, Mr. Stephen Cole, for his service to 
our Nation.
  During the Vietnam war, Sergeant Cole was assigned to the 2nd 
Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division as part of a 
small patrol reconnaissance and ambush unit operating in Vietnam's 
Central Highlands near the Cambodian border and the La Drang Valley.
  While in Vietnam during a routine reconnaissance patrol, Sergeant 
Cole suffered wounds during a firefight when he was impaled by a punji 
stick after stepping into a boobytrap. Had he moved a millimeter to the 
right or left, he likely would have lost his life.
  He was subsequently evacuated to the field hospital in An Khe for 
medical treatment.
  For his service there and his heroism, Sergeant Cole was awarded the 
Bronze Star for his heroic achievement, heroic service, and meritorious 
actions, in addition to the Purple Heart for the wounds he received in 
action 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 Infantryman Badge, and a Republic 
of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.
  Madam Speaker, all these awards speak to the true grit and service of 
Mr. Cole. I had the honor to present him and his family with these 
awards myself. It was a powerful moment in recognition of his service, 
and to thank him on behalf of our entire Nation and thank all of our 
Vietnam veterans for their heroism and service.
  It is my honor to recognize him here today in front of all of my 
fellow Americans.

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