[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 10673]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                      IN HONOR OF JOSEPH A. MEZZO

 Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Joseph A. Mezzo of New Jersey and the 4th Regiment of the United States 
Marine Corps, whose gallant actions in 1937 prevented an already 
tumultuous conflict from destabilizing further. The 4th Marines were 
deployed near the Soochow Creek in China to diffuse tensions that 
emerged after Japanese forces penetrated Chinese boundaries. Further 
intensifying the situation, a Chinese officer killed two members of the 
Japanese military, creating a hostile climate that culminated in armed 
conflict. Amidst heavy gunfire from both Japanese and Chinese forces, 
Mr. Mezzo and the 4th Marine Regiment demonstrated tremendous fortitude 
and resolve as they assisted in the stabilizing of the Soochow Creek, 
halting what could have been a major international battle.
  After all other American forces returned home, the 4th Marines 
remained in the Soochow Creek, accepting an even greater challenge of 
returning a Chinese rice barge that had been captured by the Japanese 
to its rightful owner. Mr. Mezzo and his fellow Marines executed this 
risky maneuver, thereby diffusing a situation which could have added 
fuel to an already volatile situation. The 4th Marine Regiment 
courageously exhibited the Marine Corps standard of Semper Fidelis, 
which saving the lives of many people.
  Although Mr. Mezzo and his comrades acted with bravery and 
selflessness, their efforts, and the efforts of many gallant veterans, 
have gone virtually unrewarded and unappreciated. While their exploits 
may not be found in history books, the services with which these 
veterans have provided our country are invaluable. I would like to 
recognize Mr. Mezzo, the 4th Marine Regiment, and all veterans who have 
risked their lives for the welfare of our country. Their willingness to 
accept these dangerous missions is a testament to their senses of duty, 
honor and patriotism. For this, I salute our veterans to whom we own a 
debt of gratitude and our ceaseless appreciation, for they exemplify 
what it means to be American.

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