[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15002]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     MASTER SERGEANT ANTHONY PRYOR

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I honor and pay tribute to one of 
our Nation's most courageous and admirable heroes. MSG Anthony Pryor, 
stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, was awarded the Silver Star for his 
role in a deadly battle in Afghanistan last year. The Silver Star is 
the third highest military honor, given for valor and gallantry in 
combat. The inimitable leadership and bravery of MSG Pryor deserves 
commendation of the highest regard.
  On January 25, 2002, MSG Pryor and four other soldiers of the 5th 
Special Forces Group were deployed north of Kandahar for a night 
mission. While al-Qaida and Taliban fighters slept, they were assigned 
to take over an old schoolhouse building serving as an enemy compound. 
The mission turned deadly when the enemies awoke and began to shoot, 
compelling MSG Pryor and his team to return fire.
  During the battle MSG Pryor was hit in the shoulder and fell to the 
ground, losing his night vision goggles. In the hand-to-hand combat 
that ensued in the dark, MSG Pryor managed to kill his attacker. A 
total of 21 Taliban and al-Qaida soldiers were killed, and one was 
detained. Most importantly, none of the Special Forces soldiers were 
killed.
  In a ceremony delayed for over a year because of his deployment to 
Iraq, MSG Pryor exhibited unparalleled humility. Throughout the battle 
his concern was primarily for the welfare of his fellow soldiers, and 
this sentiment is echoed in MSG Pryor's insistence that the Silver Star 
award be a reflection of the deeds of the entire company.
  MSG Anthony Pryor is a paragon of honor, bravery, and valor. His 
remarkable service to this country should be admired by all Americans. 
He is a tribute to the U.S. Army and Fort Campbell. I thank the Senate 
for allowing me to recognize MSG Pryor and extol his praises.

                          ____________________