[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 181 (Friday, December 6, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H6422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING ALABAMIANS KILLED AT PEARL HARBOR

  (Mr. PALMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PALMER. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, December 7, marks the 83rd 
anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Dozens of Alabamians were 
killed on this tragic day, including 32 on the USS Arizona, and Julius 
Ellsberry was believed to be the first Black Alabamian to die in World 
War II.
  I rise today to honor the memory of all these brave Alabamians and 
Americans, but I would like to specifically focus on Chief Carpenter 
John Arnold Austin from Warrior, Alabama.
  On the morning of December 7, John was aboard the USS Oklahoma, which 
was the first ship to be attacked by the Japanese on Battleship Row. 
John and many of his shipmates found themselves trapped, but he found 
an escape route and is credited with saving 15 sailors that day. 
Unfortunately, he perished in the process.
  Chief Carpenter Austin was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously. His 
citation reads: He gallantly gave his life in service of his country. 
The USS Austin, a destroyer escort, was later named in his honor.
  As we honor those lost, let us remember and reflect on their 
sacrifices and the high cost required to preserve freedom.

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