[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11009]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE CREW OF THE USS ``PITTSBURGH'' FOR THEIR HEROISM IN WORLD 
                                 WAR II

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to announce 
the introduction of a concurrent resolution recognizing and honoring 
the crew of the USS Pittsburgh for their heroism in World War II.
  On March 19, 1945, the USS Franklin, as part of Task Force 58, 
launched an attack against Japan. The Japanese responded with an air 
attack against Task Force 58, striking the USS Franklin, killing 724 
crew members and injuring 265 other crew members, and setting the USS 
Franklin ablaze.
  The USS Pittsburgh was dispatched to assist the USS Franklin. The 
crew of the USS Pittsburgh performed outstanding feats of seamanship, 
including attaching a tow line to the flaming USS Fry and rescuing 34 
of its crew members from turbulent waters. The USS Pittsburgh and the 
USS Santa Fe defended against two additional Japanese air attacks while 
towing and escorting the USS Franklin to safety.
  As a result of their heroic actions in saving their ship, the crew of 
the USS Franklin was highly decorated, receiving awards of two 
Congressional Medals of Honor, five Gold Stars, 22 Silver Stars, and 
250 Letters of Commendation, and becoming the most decorated crew in 
the history of the Navy. The crew of the USS Santa Fe received a Navy 
Unit Commendation.
  However, the crew of the USS Pittsburgh has never been collectively 
honored or recognized for their heroism and bravery. Therefore, my 
legislation resolves that Congress recognizes and honors the crew of 
the USS Pittsburgh for their heroism on March 19, 1945, for rendering 
aid and assistance to the USS Franklin and its crew.
  As we prepare to dedicate the new World War II Memorial, it is 
fitting that we recognize and honor the crew of the USS Pittsburgh. I 
am pleased to introduce this long overdue concurrent resolution.

                          ____________________