[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10421]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE MEMORY OF BRIG. GEN. AUSTIN SHOFNER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2003

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the memory of a 
great American hero and warrior, Brig. Gen. Austin C. Shofner, who 
retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1959 to return back to his home 
of Shelbyville, Tennessee.
  At the time of his death in 1999, Gen. Shofner was the state's most 
decorated veteran, having survived the Bataan Death March during World 
War II. Not only did the tenacious Marine survive this harrowing 
experience, but he escaped his captors to report the atrocity to the 
rest of the world. Once he recovered from the starvation and severe 
beatings inflicted on him during his captivity, he was given command of 
a battalion that ferociously fought on the western Pacific shores of 
Peleliu, where he was badly wounded.
  Refusing to be sidelined for long, Gen. Shofner recovered from his 
wounds and led another battalion of Marines that attacked the enemy on 
the island of Okinawa. He was only 28 years old at the end of World War 
II. Through the courageous actions of warriors like Gen. Shofner, the 
United States of America has persevered against its enemies. We are 
once again facing uncertain times and an unconventional enemy, so it is 
appropriate that we remember our nation's past heroes. Their deeds and 
acts of bravery are an inspiration to America's current breed of 
fighting men and women who go in harm's way to protect us and the 
interests of this great nation.
  God bless the brave men and women who wear and have worn the uniforms 
of our Armed Forces. And God bless the sacrifices they have made and 
will continue to make to keep this country free. Brig. Gen. Austin 
Shofner made many sacrifices when his country depended on him the most. 
He is the epitome of courage and honor and will forever be remembered 
as a true hero.

                          ____________________