[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12500]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      ALEXANDER ``SANDY'' NININGER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KLEIN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2008

  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory 
of Second Lieutenant Alexander ``Sandy'' Nininger, a heroic American 
soldier and the first United States recipient of the Medal of Honor in 
World War II.
  Lieutenant Nininger entered service in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and 
bravely served his country during the Second World War as a member of 
the 57th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts. He gave his life 
near Abucay, Bataan, Philippine Islands in January of 1942. He fought 
valiantly into relentless enemy fire even after sustaining three 
wounds.
  In his hometown of Fort Lauderdale stands a Sandy Nininger statue and 
WWII memorial where annual Memorial Day services are held in 
recognition of his service and that of his fellow veterans. Their 
efforts have provided Americans with security and peace of mind, and I 
join all Americans in gratitude for their sacrifices.
  On June 14th, which has been designated as National Flag Day, 
Americans honor those who fought to protect this country and the ideals 
for which the American flag stands. Sandy Nininger fought for America, 
and I think it is only appropriate to pay respects to him on Flag Day.
  Madam Speaker, I believe that America owes its military heroes the 
utmost appreciation and I am honored to represent thousands that served 
our country honorably in our nation's military, just as Sandy Nininger 
did. On this Flag Day, I am proud to remember a distinguished local and 
national hero, Sandy Nininger.

                          ____________________