[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 8] [Senate] [Page 10491] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO ED W. FREEMAN, JAMES K. OKUBO, AND ANDREW J. SMITH Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 2722, introduced earlier today by Senator Akaka. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 2722) to authorize the award of the Medal of Honor to Ed W. Freeman, James K. Okubo, and Andrew J. Smith. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill. Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I am proud to introduce legislation which would award the Medal of Honor to James K. Okubo, Ed W. Freeman, and Andrew J. Smith. There is no doubt that these three individuals are deserving of this award based on their brave and selfless service in defense of our great nation. The passage of this measure makes it possible for these men to receive a long overdue and well-deserve honor. This legislation marks the culmination of my efforts to recognize James K. Okubo for his acts of gallantry during World War II. James K. Okubo was born in Ancacortes, Washington, raised in Bellingham, Washington, and interned at Tule Lake, California. Mr. Okubo entered military service in Alturas, California on May 22, 1943 and was discharged from the Army in December 1945. Following his military service, Mr. Okubo was a professor at the University of Detroit Dental School. Mr. Okubo passed away following a car accident in 1967. Mr. Okubo (Tec 5) served as a medic, member of the Medical Detachment, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. For his heroism displayed over a period of several days (October 28, 29 and November 4, 1944) in rescuing and delivering medical aid to fellow soldiers during the rescue of the ``Lost Battalion'' from Texas, he was recommended to receive the Medal of Honor. The medal, however, was downgraded to a Silver Star. The explanation provided at the time was that as a medic, James S. Okubo was not eligible for any award higher than the Silver Star. Due to my concern that Mr. Okubo did not receive full recognition for his acts of heroism and bravery, I requested reconsideration of Mr. Okubo's case under section 1130, Title 10 of the United States Code. The Senior Army Decorations Board reviewed the case and submitted it to Secretary Caldera recommending an upgrade to the Medal of Honor. Secretary Caldera approved the recommendation which resulted in this important measure. This legislation is especially significant as fellow members of Mr. Okubo's unit will be awarded the Medal of Honor next week. It is my hope that this legislation will be enacted shortly, thereby allowing the Okubo family to participate in this auspicious event with the other families of members from the 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Mr. Okubo's heroism on the battlefield is an inspiration to all who believe in duty, honor, and service to one's country. Mr. Okubo takes his rightful place among America's great war heroes. He is a shining example of the sacrifices made by so many other Asian Pacific Americans during World War II, who served our country so ably in spite of the difficulties they faced as members of a suspect minority. Mr. ENZI. I ask unanimous consent the bill be considered read the third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The bill (S. 2722) was considered read the third time and passed, as follows: S. 2722 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. AUTHORITY TO AWARD MEDAL OF HONOR TO ED W. FREEMAN, JAMES K. OKUBO, AND ANDREW J SMITH. (a) Inapplicability of Time Limitations.--Notwithstanding the time limitations in section 3744(b) of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation, the President may award the Medal of Honor under section 3741 of such title to the persons specified in subsection (b) for the acts specified in that subsection, the award of the Medal of Honor to such persons having been determined by the Secretary of the Army to be warranted in accordance with section 1130 of such title. (b) Persons Eligible To Receive the Medal of Honor.--The persons referred to in subsection (a) are the following: (1) Ed W. Freeman, for conspicuous acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty on November 14, 1965, as flight leader and second-in- command of a helicopter lift unit at landing zone X-Ray in the Battle of the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam, during the Vietnam War, while serving in the grade of Captain in Alpha Company, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 101st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). (2) James K. Okubo, for conspicuous acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty on October 28 and 29, and November 4, 1944, at Foret Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, France, during World War II, while serving as an Army medic in the grade of Technician Fifth Grade in the medical detachment, 442d Regimental Combat Team. (3) Andrew J. Smith, for conspicuous acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty on November 30, 1864, in the Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina, during the Civil War, while serving as a corporal in the 55th Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry Regiment. (c) Posthumous Award.--The Medal of Honor may be awarded under this section posthumously, as provided in section 3752 of title 10, United States Code. (d) Prior Award.--The Medal of Honor may be awarded under this section for service for which a Silver Star, or other award, has been awarded. ____________________