[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 193 (Monday, November 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL DAVID WILLITS SWANSON

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JAMES C. MOYLAN

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2025

  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, today I honor and remember the extraordinary 
life and legacy of Lieutenant Colonel David Willits Swanson, a retired 
officer of the United States Army, a decorated patriot, and a beloved 
mentor and leader.
  Lieutenant Colonel Swanson's passing is deeply mourned by his family, 
his fellow soldiers, and the many communities he served so selflessly 
throughout his life. His life was defined by duty, courage, and an 
unshakable commitment to service.
  From the beginning, Lieutenant Colonel Swanson lived to serve others. 
A graduate of the prestigious United States Military Academy at West 
Point, he pursued one of the most demanding and honorable callings in 
our Nation: military service. He underwent rigorous training, 
completing nearly every combat course available like airborne, 
infantry, ranger, and more.
  During his time in uniform, he answered his country's call not once, 
but three times--serving multiple tours in both Vietnam and Korea. His 
bravery and valor on the battlefield earned him some of our Nation's 
highest military honors: the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, a Purple 
Heart, seven Air Medals, and three Meritorious Service Medals. These 
are more than just decorations--they are symbols of sacrifice, of 
heroism, and of lives protected through his service.
  But Lieutenant Colonel Swanson's commitment to our country did not 
end on the battlefield. After his combat service, he turned his focus 
to shaping the next generation of military leaders. He taught at the 
Command and General Staff College in Kansas, then as Professor of 
Military Science at the University of Hawaii.
  Most notably, he pioneered the first ROTC program at the University 
of Guam, where his very first freshman class went on to win the Warrior 
of the Pacific Award. Over the course of his academic service, he 
commissioned 640 students as Second Lieutenants--young men and women 
who now continue his legacy in service to our Nation.
  We do more than mourn his passing. We celebrate his life that 
embodied the highest ideals of duty, honor, and country. From every 
soldier he led, every student he taught, and every life he touched, we 
salute him.
  May we honor his memory by continuing to uphold the values he 
exemplified, and may his legacy of service forever inspire us all.

                          ____________________