[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27289]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



IN HONOR OF DAVID RIVERA CARRASCO, JR., FOR HIS SERVICE AND DEDICATION 
                             TO OUR NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 2000

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to David Rivera 
Carrasco, Jr., in memory of his service to the community as a loyal 
citizen and as a proud member of our Armed Services.
  Mr. Carrasco was born on February 9, 1918 to David and Angelita 
Rivera Carrasco in El Paso, Texas. The family relocated to Coachella, 
California in 1920. In January of 1942, Mr. Carrasco was enlisted into 
the U.S. Army. He served seven months in the Continental Army as a 
military gunner and search light crew member. As a member of the 349th 
infantry, Mr. Carrasco was dispatched to New York to protect the 
Atlantic coast from foreign invasion. In August 1942, Mr. Carrasco was 
reassigned to serve under General George Patton's forces in Europe and 
Northern Africa. He served proudly under General Patton for four years 
as an engineer. His work in the front lines of North Africa helped to 
turn the tide against the Axis forces and liberate France and Italy. 
For his bravery and dedication, Mr. Carrasco was awarded the Good 
Conduct Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal 
for Bravery.
  The bravery and patriotism demonstrated by Mr. Carrasco could also be 
found in his brothers Joe and Samuel, who also served in the U.S. Armed 
Forces. Joe served under General Dwight Eisenhower and was among the 
first wave of soldiers to storm the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 
1944. Samuel was dispatched to the Pacific Islands and served his 
country valiantly. Mr. Carrasco and his family are truly a 
distinguished part of our nation's military history.
  Colleagues, please join me in celebrating the life of a true American 
hero. Mr. Carrasco will be remembered for his service to our country 
and the community. He is survived by his sister Antonia Carrasco 
Cervantes and his brother-in-law Gregorio Cervantes, Sr. As his 
Representative in Congress and as a member of the Armed Services 
Committee, I am proud to recognize David Rivera Carrasco, Jr., for his 
contributions to our nation.

                          ____________________