[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 1]
[House]
[Pages 247-248]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              IN MEMORY OF SERGEANT JOHN PENICH, U.S. ARMY

  (Mr. BOOZMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a brave American

[[Page 248]]

soldier who sacrificed his life for freedom, Sergeant John Penich.
  Sergeant Penich, by all accounts, was an extraordinary solider whose 
hard work and determination earned him the title of Soldier of the Year 
in 2007 for his brigade. His bravery was evident in combat on several 
occasions. Brigadier General Perry Wiggins has said he knows of three 
separate instances when Sergeant Penich saved the lives of his 
comrades.
  According to newspaper reports, one of his final acts of bravery came 
on September 6, 2008, when his patrol was attacked by rocket-propelled 
grenades and small-arms fire. He showed his courage under fire, taking 
charge and reestablishing security and saving the lives of his platoon 
members. His heroics on that day earned him a Silver Star, the third 
highest honor given to members of the armed services for valor.
  Five and a half weeks after he earned the Silver Star, he gave the 
ultimate sacrifice. Sergeant Penich put himself in harm's way to make 
the world a better place.
  His commitment to this country is second to none. He wanted to be an 
officer, and there's no doubt we would have benefited from this young 
man's tremendous leadership abilities.
  Sergeant John Penich is a true American hero. I ask that my 
colleagues keep his family and friends in their thoughts and prayers 
during this very difficult time.

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