[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21685]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO MR. VERNON R. BUSS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 15, 2009

  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual who selflessly risked his life to save the life of a 
terribly injured Marine, former Staff Sergeant Irving Saunders. Our 
country has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated Marines who 
willingly and unselfishly risk their lives to keep our country safe.
   We recognize Vernon R. Buss for his meritorious actions on the 
Guiana Airstrip, Samar Island, Republic of the Philippines on the 24 
January 1945, while serving as a ground maintenance mechanic, aircraft 
wing. On this day while performing maintenance duties in connection 
with operation against Japanese forces in the Philippines, Corporal 
Vernon Robert Buss, United States Marine, put the life of another 
Marine over his own. While assisting in the rescue attempt of a crashed 
aircraft and its crew, Corporal Buss singlehandedly extracted the 
unconscious and burning body of Staff Sergeant Irving Saunders from the 
wreckage of a burning F4-U Corsair. With total disregard for his own 
safety, Corporal Buss rushed to the side of Staff Sergeant Irving 
Saunders and carried him away from the burning aircraft, the burning 
pools of gasoline, and the random detonation of .50 caliber ammunition 
as it ``cooked off'' from the Corsair's burning ammunition supply. 
Corporal Buss carried Staff Sergeant Saunders to safety, rendered first 
aid to him, and facilitated his evacuation to a hospital where he was 
treated for life threatening third degree burns over an estimated forty 
percent of his body. We recognize Corporal Vernon Robert Buss for his 
fearless personal initiative, professional dedication and sagacious 
bravery on 24 January 1945. His actions reflect the meritorious credit 
upon his person and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the 
Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
   On behalf of the people of the United States, Congressman Darrell E. 
Issa, Major General Michael R. Lehnert, Commanding General Marine Corps 
Installations West, and all veterans who have served with courage and 
honor, we commemorate your service.

                          ____________________