[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 10604-10607]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



        AWARDING MEDAL OF HONOR TO PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.
  Mr. BUYER. Moreover, it is my sincerest hope that the award ceremony 
will be conducted here in Washington as befits a celebration that 
honors a truly larger than life American. Lastly, I spoke with Tweed 
Roosevelt today, a direct descendant of Teddy Roosevelt, and I endorse 
the Roosevelt family's desire that President Roosevelt's Medal of Honor 
permanently reside next to his Nobel Peace Prize in the Roosevelt Room 
of the White House. That is the working room of the West Wing just off 
the Oval Office. I can think of no better tribute to the greatness of 
President Roosevelt than to bring together in one room the accolades 
that he received as both a warrior and as a peacemaker. What finer 
example could we offer the leader of our Nation, what better 
inspiration for our future Presidents to strive for excellence in their 
quest of the greater understanding.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Congress for its work to secure 
the Medal of Honor for Teddy Roosevelt. We have attempted to right a 
historical wrong and we have come to learn more about why Theodore 
Roosevelt was one of our greatest historical figures. He displayed the 
qualities of a great leader: courage, cunning, intellect, boldness and 
charisma all founded on deep moral purpose. His courage and the 
enthusiasm that his courage generated motivated his Rough Riders on the 
battlefield at San Juan Heights and inspired a generation of Americans 
as they emerged from the chaos of the late 19th century.
  Mr. Clinton, we urge you to avoid further delay and expeditiously 
award the Medal of Honor to Colonel Theodore Roosevelt.
  Mr. LAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Indiana, and I 
want to begin by acknowledging his terrific work in terms of bringing 
this issue to the forefront of this Congress and all of his partnership 
with me in these last 3 years as we have been fighting for this sense 
of justice. People say why do we care about giving Theodore Roosevelt 
the Congressional Medal of Honor 102 years after he earned it. I think 
it comes down to simple justice. The fact is that Theodore Roosevelt is 
one of our greatest Americans. His face appears on Mount Rushmore. He 
has been known as one of America's greatest Presidents. Before that, he 
was a Governor of the State of New York. He was a great conservationist 
and a reformer.

                              {time}  2340

  He was the architect of the modern Navy, and in many ways help shape 
American foreign policy as we entered the global age. But it is for 
none of those reasons that Theodore Roosevelt deserves the 
Congressional Medal of Honor. It is for the facts that the gentleman 
from Indiana (Mr. Buyer) has laid out.
  On that day, on July 1 of 1898, when a volunteer Lieutenant Colonel 
Theodore Roosevelt led his men up a hill, a strategic hill to secure 
that high ground which saved many American lives that day, and contrary 
to public belief, a popular belief the Rough Riders, who Lieutenant 
Colonel led, went forward that day without their horses as dismounted 
infantry and they faced an enemy much better positioned than the 
Spaniards in securing the high ground. They faced an enemy with 
munitions and with arms far superior to that which they had, including 
machine guns, which were only a few years later in World War I create 
such mass destruction; but even at that point in 1898, these guns were 
trained down on them.
  Alongside Roosevelt and his Rough Riders advanced the 9th and 10th 
colored Cavalry Regiments, the famed Buffalo Soldiers of the Indian 
Wars. And I will say to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer), to all 
of those in the Chamber, the Spanish bullets respected neither race nor 
social rank. In the end the blood was American.
  Up the steep hill, the Rough Riders climbed facing a withering fire 
from the trenches blow up the steep hill, climbed with men from the 
rear ranks taken the place of the fallen, up that steep hill they 
climbed led by their bespectacled, mustached leader, Colonel Roosevelt.
  In the finest military tradition, Teddy Roosevelt led the way. Rather 
than pushing his men forward from behind, he pulled them forward from 
in front. By his own conspicuous courage, Roosevelt inspired his men to 
conquer their fear, to climb those heights against a hail of enemy 
lead.
  In placing themselves in dire danger, Roosevelt animated his men to 
move towards the trenches that belched the venomous fire. By his 
leadership, by dint of his personal example, Roosevelt propelled his 
troops to capture the Spanish defenses. Of the 490 men who started to 
climb that hill that day, 89 were killed or wounded. One of those 
wounded was Colonel Roosevelt.
  And I would say to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer), who has 
served our Nation in uniform and I have great respect and admiration 
for him because of that, there is no greater service than I think an 
American can render to put his life on the line and cause freedom in 
America's interests.
  This is what Colonel Roosevelt did as a volunteer. He displayed 
extraordinary courage, and that was documented at the time by his 
superiors and his contemporaries. So this is not something where 
Congress is reaching back and recreating history. We have a strong 
historical record. There was a voluminous brief that was submitted by 
me 3 years ago with the assistance of the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. 
Buyer). The fact is that there is plenty of evidence, plenty of 
evidence that suggests that Roosevelt was denied for political reason.
  Now is a time to correct that record to see that justice is done and 
for President Clinton to give him his due, the Congressional Medal of 
Honor. We call upon the President to do that.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to include in the Record a part of that 
brief, if I can, which documents the historical record.

 Congressman Rick Lazio submitted the following argument for the Award 
of the Congressional Medal of Honor for President Theodore Roosevelt on 
                           September 9, 1997

             Theodore Roosevelt Deserves the Medal of Honor


                              introduction

       The 100th Anniversary of the Spanish-American War has 
     raised public interest in this important segment of American 
     History. The Spanish American War is for many a line of 
     demarcation signifying America's emergence as a world power. 
     Inextricably entwined in this coming of age on the world 
     stage is the history and efforts of President Theodore 
     Roosevelt.
       Roosevelt, as the leader of the First Volunteer Cavalry 
     Regiment known more commonly as the Rough Riders, played a 
     significant and heroic role in the victory in Cuba. This 
     victory catapulted both Roosevelt and the United States onto 
     the world stage and the eventual position of leadership we 
     enjoy today.
       The focus here is not on Theodore Roosevelt, leader of the 
     Rough Riders and his gallant charges to secure the San Juan 
     Heights. Theodore Roosevelt was unjustly overlooked for the 
     Congressional Medal of Honor. His application, when taken in 
     the context for awarding America's highest military honor at 
     that time, warranted more serious consideration than it was 
     given. Many attribute this oversight to political squabbles 
     of the times as well as prejudice in favor of the regular 
     army regiments. The Centennial of this historic effort is an 
     appropriate time to correct this injustice.


                               narrative

       Thedore Roosevelt's service in the Spanish American War 
     began with an offer of a commission from Secretary of War 
     Russell Alger as Lieutenant Colonel in a regiment commanded 
     by Colonel Leonard Wood in April of 1898 after the United 
     States declared war on Spain retroactive to April 21, 1898. 
     The Regiment was designated the 1st United States

[[Page 10605]]

     Volunteer Calvary. However, they quickly became more commonly 
     known as the ``Rough Riders.'' The regiment was made of 
     volunteers from all walks of life and all classes of 
     Americans. The outfit was considered to be unpolished and 
     undisciplined. Much effort was required to reform the Rough 
     Riders into a quality fighting unit. The Rough Riders were 
     later sent to Tampa and on June 3, 1898 arrived to be joined 
     with other Cavalry regiments to form a division under the 
     command of Major General Joseph Wheeler. The division 
     belonged to the 5th Corps, commanded by Major General William 
     R. Shafter, a Medal of Honor recipient and veteran of the 
     Civil War.
       On June 22, 1898, the Rough Riders landed in Cuba on the 
     outskirts of Santiago after little resistance but a difficult 
     voyage. The unit soon moved out in the campaign to capture 
     Santiago. Soon after beginning the campaign, the regiment 
     encountered resistance from the Spanish Army. The regiment 
     suffered several casualties including eight killed in a 
     battle to secure a blockhouse. By June 30 the planning for 
     the assault on Santiago began in earnest.
       The battle was to begin with an assault on El Cancy, a 
     village on the outskirts of the San Juan Heights and in close 
     proximity to the Camino Real, the principal route to 
     Santiago. The assault would be made by the regular infantry 
     under the command of Brigadier General H.W. Lawton and 
     supported by an artillery barrage from a battery under the 
     command of Captain Allyn K. Capron Sr. The rest of the army 
     would take up positions in the jungle in front of the San 
     Juan Heights. The plan was to capture El Caney and then 
     directly assault the San Juan Heights.
       It was at this time that Roosevelt was promoted to full 
     colonel and given command of the Rough Riders. Several 
     Officers had come down with fever. Colonel Wood was promoted 
     to Brigadier General and given command of General Young's 
     brigade leading to Roosevelt's promotion. By the end of the 
     day, the Rough Riders were positioned near El Pozo, a hill 
     flanking the Camino Real and about seven to eight miles from 
     Santiago.
       On the morning of July 1, 1898, the army began its attack 
     on El Caney. The barrage was ineffectual and inspired return 
     fire from the Spanish. Several men were killed and many 
     others wounded, including a mild wound to Colonel Roosevelt. 
     General Shafter, who was also ill, issued orders through his 
     adjutant, Colonel McClernand for the army to get into 
     position to attack the San Juan Heights as planned without 
     waiting for El Caney to be captured. The force deployed as 
     directed and quickly came under fire from the Spanish forces 
     entrenched on the sloping hills overlooking them. The Rough 
     Riders positioned themselves near the San Juan River at the 
     foot of a hill that later became known as Kettle Hill because 
     of the blockhouse and sugar refining kettle found there. The 
     regiment and the other units it had moved to support quickly 
     faced severe enemy artillery fire causing many to panic. 
     Roosevelt walked up and down the line of Rough Riders to 
     ensure that they were taking cover and receiving as much 
     protection as possible. The Rough Riders were taking heavy 
     casualties as they waited for orders to engage the Spanish.
       After many hours of waiting and taking heavy casualties, 
     Roosevelt finally received the order to advance on Kettle 
     Hill in support of the Regular Cavalry. The Rough Riders soon 
     reached the Ninth Cavalry. The Ninth's senior officers were 
     reluctant to advance so Roosevelt and the Rough Riders passed 
     them. Many junior officers and enlisted men of the Ninth then 
     followed Roosevelt and the Rough Riders up the hill. 
     Roosevelt was at the forefront of the charge up the hill and 
     through a barbed wire fence to the crest of the hill all 
     while under constant fire from the Spanish. After capturing 
     Kettle Hill, Roosevelt turned his attention to San Juan Hill 
     to the left. After viewing the approaching infantry under 
     heavy fire from San Juan Hill, Roosevelt began an assault on 
     San Juan Hill from Kettle Hill. Initially, Roosevelt's Rough 
     Riders did not hear the order, but later followed after some 
     further urging from Roosevelt. In the charge, Roosevelt 
     personally dispatched a Spaniard with a shot from his 
     revolver. The Regiment then dug in and prepared for the siege 
     of Santiago.


argument for presenting the medal of honor to theodore roosevelt based 
                on the first-hand accounts of his peers

     I. The case of Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt warrants 
         reconsideration by the Secretary
       Under the Department of Defense Manual of Military 
     Decorations and Awards, the case of Theodore Roosevelt 
     clearly fits under either section 3a or 3b of the regulations 
     regarding the medal of honor.
       3a. The remaining bases for reconsideration are instances 
     in which a Service Secretary or the Secretary of Defense 
     determines that there is evidence of material error or 
     impropriety in the original processing of or decision on a 
     recommendation for award of the Medal of Honor.
       3b. All other instances of reconsideration shall be limited 
     to those in which the formal recommendation was submitted 
     within statutory time limits, the recommendation was lost or 
     inadvertently not acted upon, and when these facts are 
     conclusively established by the respective Service Secretary 
     or other official delegated appropriate authority.
       The situation regarding Roosevelt is unclear. It is clear 
     that the first application lacked specific details. Roosevelt 
     was then made to reapply in more detail. Several letters 
     previously cited attest to his acts on the field on July 1, 
     1898.
       a. The Secretary of War's personal bias against Roosevelt 
           prevented Roosevelt from receiving the medal
       It is clear that Roosevelt was not awarded the medal. Most 
     sources attribute the failure to award the medal to a 
     political rift between Roosevelt and Secretary of War Russell 
     Alger. The rift developed after Roosevelt and other officers 
     signed what has become know as the ``round robin letter.'' 
     The letter was an effort to convince the President and 
     Secretary Alger to bring the soldiers in Cuba back to the 
     United States. Many soldiers were suffering from Yellow Fever 
     while in Cuba and it was felt by the command that they would 
     fare better in the United States and away from the conditions 
     that promote Yellow Fever in Cuba. Roosevelt's concern for 
     his men throughout the conflict should have only counted 
     toward his gallantry and his leadership. However, newspaper 
     reports from January of 1899 clearly indicate that even at 
     the time, many believed that the letter, which was considered 
     embarrassing to Alger, was to blame for Roosevelt's failure 
     to receive the medal. Roosevelt himself references such a 
     bias in a letter to General Corbin, the Adjutant General at 
     the time. A personal bias against Roosevelt would constitute 
     an impropriety under the rules for reconsideration. 
     Therefore, the Secretary has the authority to reconsider 
     Roosevelt on this basis.
       b. A bias against the volunteer regiments may have 
           prevented Roosevelt and others from receiving the Medal 
           of Honor
       A second suspected reason for not awarding the medal to 
     Roosevelt is an inherent bias against the volunteers in this 
     war. Only Captain Albert Mills, Assistant Adjutant General 
     U.S. Volunteers, received a Medal of Honor and it was not 
     given to him until well after most of the other that received 
     medals for their actions in the Spanish American War. Mills 
     received the award for distinguished gallantry and bravery 
     for encouraging those near him even though he had been 
     severely wounded. While there is no direct evidence of bias, 
     an inference may be drawn by the empirical data derived from 
     the document. If such an inference is drawn, this would 
     constitute an impropriety under the rules for 
     reconsideration. The Secretary would clearly have the 
     authority to reconsider Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor.
       c. The lack of a report on Roosevelt's denial or other 
           documents relating to the denial constitutes ``material 
           error'' or ``an inadvertent loss or failure to act 
           upon'' warranting reconsideration by the Secretary
       The inability to recover records of the actual 
     consideration of Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor warrants 
     reconsideration at this time. Many documents attesting to 
     Roosevelt's merit have been recovered. Diligent efforts on 
     the part of many, including the Congressional Liaison Office, 
     have failed to produce records of Roosevelt's consideration. 
     The absence of such records and any explanation other than 
     some bias against Roosevelt dictate that this case be 
     reviewed and reconsidered at this time. The interests of 
     justice have compelled nearly 160 members of Congress to 
     sponsor a bill specific to this case. The bill has been held 
     up due to the analysis by the awards branch that a formal 
     request for reconsideration is most appropriate prior to the 
     submission of a bill by the House of Representatives. The 
     interests of justice should also provide the impetus for an 
     official review by the Secretary. This request is in fact 
     submitted in an effort to comply with the reasonable request 
     of the Department.
     II. Standard for awarding the Medal of Honor
       ``The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President in the 
     name of Congress to a person who, while a member of the Army, 
     distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry 
     and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and 
     beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an 
     enemy of the United States; while engaged in military 
     operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force 
     . . .'' Furthermore, ``The deed performed must have been one 
     of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to 
     clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and 
     must have involved risk of life.''
       It is self-evident and uncontestable that Theodore 
     Roosevelt was engaged in an action against an enemy of the 
     United States. Therefore, the remainder of this argument will 
     focus on the first hand evidence as preserved in the National 
     Archives, the conspicuous and gallant nature of the act, and 
     the risk to Roosevelt's life.
       a. Then Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt's acts were 
           witnessed and attested to by many
       Source material regarding this matter can be found in the 
     United States Archives. Copies of original materials are 
     attached to this document as exhibits for the convenience of 
     the Department. The required letters attesting to the deed 
     are also part of the exhibits.

[[Page 10606]]

     The number of letters exceed the two required personal 
     accounts.
       Included among the exhibits are letters from Maxwell Keyes, 
     1st Lieutenant and Adjutant U.S. Volunteers (Exhibit 1), 
     Robert Howze, 1st Lieutenant, 6th U.S. Cavalry (Exhibit 2), 
     M.J. Jenkins, Major, 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry (Exhibit 3), 
     Trooper W.J. McCann, Troop B, 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry 
     (Exhibit 8), Captain C.J. Stevens, 2nd U.S. Cavalry (Exhibit 
     9), Colonel Leonard Wood, Major General Joseph Wheeler, and 
     Major General William Shafter, U.S. Volunteers (Exhibit 10), 
     Major General Leonard Wood, U.S. Volunteers (Exhibit 11) and 
     Colonel A.L. Mills, Brigade Adjutant General and later 
     Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West 
     Point (Exhibit 12).
       These documents should provide an adequate basis for 
     awarding the Medal of Honor to Theodore Roosevelt. The 
     descriptions are detailed and come from both enlisted 
     personnel and the highest of officers. A close inspection 
     will reveal that they are both consistent with each other and 
     are based on first hand knowledge of Roosevelt's actions
       b. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt's deeds were both gallant 
           and beyond the call of duty
       Captain C.J. Stevens, then a 1st Lieutenant in the 9th 
     Cavalry, concisely describes Roosevelt's actions as he 
     witnessed them. ``I witnessed Colonel Roosevelt, 1st 
     Volunteer Cavalry, U.S.A., mounted, leading his regiment in 
     the charge on San Juan. By his gallantry and strong 
     personality he contributed most materially to the success of 
     the charge of the Cavalry Division up San Juan Hill. Colonel 
     Roosevelt was among the very first to reach the crest of the 
     hill and his dashing example, his absolute fearlessness and 
     gallant leading rendered his conduct conspicuous and clearly 
     distinguished above other men.'' His actions are further 
     elaborated on by then Colonel Leonard Wood, ``Colonel 
     Roosevelt, accompanied by only four or five men, led a very 
     desperate and extremely gallant charge on San Juan Hill, 
     thereby setting a splendid example to the troops and 
     encouraging them to pass over open country intervening 
     between their position and the trenches of the enemy.'' Wood 
     continues, ``the example set a most inspiring one to the 
     troops in that part of the line, and while it is perfectly 
     true, that everybody finally went up the hill in good style, 
     yet there is no doubt that the magnificent example set by 
     Colonel Roosevelt had a very encouraging effect and had great 
     weight in bringing up the troops behind him. During the 
     assault, Colonel Roosevelt was the first to reach the 
     trenches and killed one of the enemy with his own hand.''
       Clearly, the act of gallantry in this case is founded upon 
     Roosevelt's leadership. What makes Roosevelt's actions so 
     deserving of consideration is the context in which they 
     occurred. The letter of Lawrence Keyes points out that on the 
     initial assault on Kettle Hill, Roosevelt and the Rough 
     Riders passed through a regular army regiment that appeared 
     to be awaiting orders. This action is confirmed by Major M.J. 
     Jenkins, ``Held in support, he brought his regiment, at 
     exactly the right time, not only up to the line of regulars, 
     but went through them and headed, on horseback, the charge on 
     Kettle Hill; this being done on his own initiative. The 
     Regulars as well as his own men following.'' It is clear that 
     many soldiers were in fact reluctant to make the charge 
     despite the fact that they were already under heavy fire and 
     taking casualties. Roosevelt's actions broke this hesitation 
     and quite possibly saved many lives. Though men died in the 
     assault, it appears that even more would have become 
     casualties if they simply remained where they were. Instead, 
     the advance led by Roosevelt removed the threat from Kettle 
     Hill and provided a second avenue of attack on San Juan Hill. 
     This served to relieve some pressure on those making the 
     direct assault on San Juan Hill.
       A further indicator of the severity of the situation at the 
     position of the lines prior to the charge is implied by the 
     twenty Medals of Honor given to Infantrymen for ``assisting 
     in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and 
     under heavy fire.'' This is a testament to the danger of the 
     situation facing the soldiers while they hesitated in their 
     advance.
       The gallantry and wisdom of Roosevelt's actions are further 
     illuminated when taken in historical context. Since the 
     charge was successful, one can only speculate as to what the 
     consequences of inaction would have been. One particular 
     historical example comes to mind and that is the Union 
     assault on the heights of Fredericksburg during the Civil 
     War. During that engagement, many Union Soldiers were killed 
     without ever reaching the Confederate lines at the crest of 
     the hill. While the magnitude of the force in the present 
     case is less, the situation is strongly analogous. It is fair 
     to assume that had Kettle Hill not been taken quickly, many 
     would have died from the continuing barrage from the high 
     ground. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that the 
     Spanish positions were close to being reinforced which could 
     only have heightened the carnage. This was prevented by 
     Roosevelt's quick action, leadership, and his gallant 
     example.
       Roosevelt's deeds are best summarized by General Sumner, 
     ``Col. Roosevelt by his example and fearlessness inspired his 
     men at both Kettle Hill and the ridge known as San Juan, he 
     led his command in person.''
       c. Roosevelt acted with a singular disregard for his own 
           welfare
       Then Captain A.L. Mills was in a perfect position to 
     witness Roosevelt's actions during the battle. He writes, 
     ``During this time, (the assault on Kettle Hill) while under 
     the enemies artillery fire at El Poso and while on the march 
     from El Poso by the San Juan ford to the point from which his 
     regiment moved to the assault--about two miles, the greater 
     part under fire--Colonel Roosevelt was conspicuous above any 
     others I observed in his regiment in the zealous performance 
     of duty, in total disregard of his personal danger and in his 
     eagerness to meet the enemy.'' Mills goes on to describe how 
     Roosevelt, despite being grazed by shrapnel, continued his 
     zealous leadership to the ultimate conclusion of the battle 
     with total disregard to his own safety.
       Captain Howze's account only augments that of Mills. 
     ``(T)he Colonel's life was placed in extreme jeopardy, owing 
     to the conspicuous position he took in leading the line, and 
     being the first to reach the crest of that hill, while under 
     heavy fire of the enemy at close range.''
       Major Jenkins also recounts the danger involved and the 
     conspicuousness of Roosevelt's actions. ``He was so near the 
     entrenchments on the second hill that he shot and killed with 
     a revolver one of the enemy before they broke completely.'' 
     Jenkins then adds, ``His unhesitating gallantry in taking the 
     initiative against men armed with rapid fire guns certainly 
     won him the highest consideration and admiration of all who 
     witnessed his conduct throughout the day.''
       W.J. McCann's letter further indicates the gravity of the 
     risk to Roosevelt's own life. ``Regarding the Colonel's 
     action in the charge, I remember hearing his close friend, 
     Colonel (now General) Leonard Wood give him a good-natured 
     scolding on the next day for his disregard for his own 
     safety; and in this respect I am confirmed by at least one 
     newspaper correspondent who wrote in substance, as I 
     recollect it, `I expect to see Roosevelt fall in the next 
     battle if he takes the same chances.' ''
     III. Roosevelt's action should be judged under the standards 
         used to evaluate other Spanish American war recipients
       Today, there are many more awards given out for valor and 
     gallantry of different degrees. However, during the Spanish 
     American War, there were fewer decorations of honor and the 
     guidelines for their distribution were also different.
       The bulk of the Medals of Honor awarded during the Spanish 
     American War were awarded for three acts. Some were awarded 
     for rescuing wounded soldiers in front of the line while 
     under fire during the battle of July 1st. Others were awarded 
     for the bravery and coolness during the action to cut the 
     cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba while under heavy fire. 
     The third broad area of recognition is for coolness and 
     bravery of action in maintaining naval combat efforts.
       The lone standout is the award given to Albert L. Mills of 
     the U.S. Volunteers for distinguished gallantry in 
     encouraging those near him by his bravery and coolness after 
     being wounded. Mills himself recognizes Roosevelt's similar 
     merit in his letter to the Adjutant General recommending 
     Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor. ``In moving to the assault 
     of San Juan Hill, Colonel Roosevelt was most conspicuously 
     brave, gallant and indifferent to his own safety. He, in the 
     open, led his regiment; no officer could have set a more 
     striking example to his men or displayed greater intrepidity.
       Historical perspective is a necessary factor in awarding 
     the Medal of Honor to Roosevelt. Much has changed since the 
     Spanish American War. The perfection and proliferation of 
     automatic weapons, the tank, air power, and numerous other 
     advances have led to different perceptions of risk and 
     threat. Strategy has also changed in many ways. However, even 
     in a more recent conflict, action similar to Roosevelt's in 
     significant ways was both necessary and meritorious.
       Finnis McCleery was the Platoon Sergeant for Company A, 1st 
     Battalion, 6th Infantry in May of 1968 in the Quang Tin 
     Province of the Republic of Vietnam. His force was assigned 
     to assault well entrenched North Vietnamese ArmyRegulars on 
     Hill 352, 17 miles west of Tam Ky. McCleery led his men up 
     the hill and across an open area to close with the enemy when 
     his platoon and other friendly elements began taking heavy 
     fire. Realizing the damage that could be inflicted if they 
     halted their advance or waited, McCleery charged and captured 
     an enemy bunker, his men then followed and he began 
     assaulting the lateral bunkers threatening the other forces 
     charging the hill. Finally, after a bloody battle, McCleery 
     and the friendly force captured Hill 352.
       McCleery faced machine gun fire, grenades, and rocket fire. 
     Roosevelt did not face modern machine gun fire, grenades, or 
     rockets. The Spanish did have artillery and Mauser rifles. On 
     the other hand, McCleery also had automatic weapons and 
     grenades as well as a well-armed platoon to back him up. 
     Roosevelt had a revolver. Stripped down to the bare 
     essentials and adjusted for technology, McCleery's charge was 
     in the true spirit of Theodore Roosevelt.

[[Page 10607]]

       Both men, realizing the danger of holding a position on the 
     low ground under heavy fire, made a gallant charge and 
     singlehandedly inspired their men despite an extreme risk to 
     their own lives. The only thing that separates these two men 
     is the technology of the time. Both acted with extreme 
     bravery in the true spirit of United States Army. Both men 
     took action at great risk to their own lives. Both men 
     displayed gallantry above all else on the field. One man 
     received the Medal of Honor and the other has yet to. It is 
     time for Theodore Roosevelt to join Sergeant McCleery at the 
     top of that hill.

                          ____________________