[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 25921-25922]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT DOUGLAS BAUM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 11, 2001

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, today, as our Nation's armed forces make 
America proud by

[[Page 25922]]

fighting the war on terrorism, I wanted to recognize the parents of a 
young man who gave his life for our country during the war in Vietnam. 
Clayton and Eleanor Baum live in my district, in La Mesa, California. 
Their son, Sergeant Douglas Baum, was killed on November 18, 1967, in 
the central highlands of South Vietnam, Dak To.
  Sgt. Baum was 20 years old and, according to author Edward F. Murray, 
founder and president of the Medal of Honor Historical Society, was one 
of the most popular members of the Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade, Alpha 
Company 503. As a soldier, Sgt. Baum had earned the Army Commendation 
Medal, the Bronze Star, the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. Sgt. Baum 
was due for rotation and had begun to send his belongings to his 
parents when he was killed defending the lives of those in his squad.
  After Sgt. Baum's death, members of the 173rd Airborne contacted 
Clayton and Eleanor to let them know how much Douglas meant to them, 
praising his bravery and leadership. People like Sgt. Darrell Cline, 
who has stayed in contact with the Baums and arranged for them to 
attend several of the national events for the 173rd, and Tom Means, a 
member of Sgt. Baum's squad who searched 25 years to meet Clayton and 
Eleanor just to tell them how much he thought of their son.
  Those who attacked us on September 11th have severely underestimated 
the resolve of today's forces who carry on the legacy of soldiers like 
Sgt. Douglas Baum. America's military follows a proud tradition of 
service and dedication. Like those that came before them they fight to 
defend our country and they sacrifice to preserve our freedom. Clayton 
and Eleanor, words cannot express the gratefulness we have for Douglas' 
sacrifice. On behalf of a grateful country and community we say thank 
you, his service has helped make America strong.

                          ____________________