[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 21]
[Senate]
[Pages 29663-29664]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     COMMENDING MAJOR FIRMAN RAY ON RECEIVING THE SILVER STAR MEDAL

 Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, it is my great pleasure and pride 
to rise today to honor a true Montana hero--MAJ Firman Ray. Major Ray 
grew up in Butte and Stevensville. He attended the University of 
Montana. To this day, he remains a staunch Grizzly fan. His mother 
Tempie Ray is a retired high school librarian in Stevensville. Firman 
is the nephew of Carl and Martha Davis from Dillon. At the Montana 
Constitutional Convention, I was Carl's

[[Page 29664]]

intern. Furthermore, Firman's wife Sheila Hall Ray was my son's 
babysitter when we lived in Missoula. Firman and his family are 100 
percent Montana.
  MAJ Firman Ray has a distinguished career with the Army and he is 
only getting started. He has excelled in each of his positions since he 
was commissioned in 1991. Firman also survived the 9/11 attack on the 
Pentagon where his office was hit by the terrorists.
  Today, we recognize MAJ Firman Ray to receive the Silver Star for 
distinguished gallantry in action against the enemy in Somalia in 1993. 
The Silver Star is the third highest medal awarded for combat service 
and the fourth highest medal that a soldier may receive. The Silver 
Star is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the 
U.S. Army, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the 
United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict 
with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign 
forces engaged in conflict against an opposing armed force in which the 
United States is not a belligerent party.
  For those reasons and so many more, I am honored to announce that 
today MAJ Firman Ray will finally receive the distinguished Silver Star 
award for his valorous performance of duty with the U.S. Army in 
Somalia that is long overdue.
  Many of you may remember the movie, ``Black Hawk Down.'' MAJ Firman 
Ray, then Lieutenant Ray, was part of the team that the movie, Black 
Hawk Down, portrayed. It was during the predawn hours of September 25, 
1993, that a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter was shot down in 
Mogadishu, Somalia. Lieutenant Ray was part of AT Platoon that was 
given the mission to conduct a search and rescue operation at the 
helicopter crash site. Clearly understanding the urgency of the 
situation, Lieutenant Ray took his two lead MK-19 gun vehicles and 
instructed them to quickly advance to the crash site. Upon entering the 
site, intense small arms fire and sporadic rocket propelled grenade 
fire erupted. The gunners under Lieutenant Ray's command were able to 
destroy three enemy positions in a building just north of the crash 
site. While attempting to again secure the site, another firefight 
ensued on the west side. Lieutenant Ray dismounted and on the run, 
dodged under considerable fire to position the gun vehicles to 
establish security. Lieutenant Ray's unit was again under fire two more 
times where Firman moved the gun vehicles into strategic positions that 
were vital to suppressing enemy fire. Once the perimeter was finally 
secured, Lieutenant Ray assisted in collecting the remains of the 
soldiers killed in the helicopter crash.
  Shortly afterwards, the stillness was broken by yet another attack 
and a firefight resumed. During the next 30 minutes of battle and under 
fire, Lieutenant Ray ran to and from each gun vehicle's position, 
directing counter fire and ensuring adequate ammunition. The mission 
was complete and all personnel and sensitive equipment attempted to 
withdraw to the airfield. Lieutenant Ray directed his rear security gun 
vehicle to assume the lead and, again, enemy militia began firing with 
small arms and RPG's, inflicting casualties. With four blocks to go, 
Lieutenant Ray remained dismounted and slowly moved south, deftly 
crossing intersections proven treacherous by prior American casualties.
  From the onset to outcome, Lieutenant Ray was first in and last out. 
He performed his duty with bravery and poise. He is a decisive leader 
who inspires fierce soldier loyalty, trust, and cohesiveness. Because 
of his quick and intelligent decisions, and due to his confident 
direction, Lieutenant Ray's platoon, under the most extreme battle 
conditions, provided the decisive ingredient to the success of the 
mission. Due to his combat performance, Firman Ray is deserving of the 
Silver Star for distinctive recognition as an exceptional soldier and 
leader of men.
  I commend Major Ray for his heroic efforts in Operation Restoration 
Hope and I am proud that he receives the Silver Star today. He 
exemplifies valor, bravery, and courage. Major Ray put his life on the 
line to defend our country. He put his life on the line to save his 
men. For that, we all owe him a huge debt of gratitude.
  We are proud to call MAJ Firman Ray a Montanan. And as Montanans and 
Americans, we are eternally grateful for his selfless service to our 
country, which has made our Nation a safer place and has helped to 
promote and defend democracy across the globe.
  Firman, as you know, receiving a Silver Star Medal is quite an 
accomplishment. I can think of no one more deserving than you. From one 
Montanan to another, thank you for your commitment to your country, 
service to your community, and for making America safer for each and 
every one of us.

                          ____________________