[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22772]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        HONORING VERNE L. WIKERT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize Verne L. Wikert and his contributions to this country. Verne 
began his service to this nation in the 1940's, serving as a Merchant 
Marine in the Pacific theatre during World War II.
  Mr. Wikert joined the Merchant Marines at the age of seventeen. 
Tasked with the position as oiler aboard the S.S. Coast Trader, Verne 
and his crew were responsible for supplying the Pacific theatre with 
troops and supplies throughout the war. On June 7, 1942, a Japanese 
submarine torpedoed his ship. Following the attack, Verne fought his 
way from below deck to escape the sinking ship. This event put the crew 
through a five-day ordeal, fighting for their survival off the coast of 
the state of Washington. Upon rescue, Wikert, in a coma, was near 
death.
  Mr. Wikert recovered from this experience and continued his service 
to his country, surviving two more torpedo attacks before the end of 
the war. As is customary in the Merchant Marines, he received no awards 
or decorations for his contributions to the war effort, but is worthy 
of the praise of this body of Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to honor Verne L. Wikert for his 
service to this country. He served selflessly during a time when the 
country was in great need. His actions have brought great credit to 
himself and his nation.

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