[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11886]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




DEDICATION OF THE BRUCE W. CARTER DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS MEDICAL 
                            CENTER IN MIAMI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 6, 2009

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I want to express my deep 
gratification and support as the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center 
dedicates their building to Pfc. Bruce W. Carter, USMC. Although we can 
never truly do enough to honor his sacrifice, Pfc Bruce Carter, through 
the tireless efforts of his mother Georgi Carter Krell and so many 
others, will be remembered.
  Pfc Carter, a member of the 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines 3rd Marine 
Division, died in the Quang Tri Canyon Province in the Republic of 
Vietnam in 1969. His Medal of Honor Citation reads in part that ``while 
pinned down by vicious crossfire, with complete disregard for his 
safety, he stood in full view of the North Vietnamese Army soldiers to 
deliver a devastating volume of fire at their positions. The accuracy 
and aggressiveness of his attack caused several enemy casualties and 
forced the remainder of the soldiers to retreat from the immediate 
area. Shouting directions to the marines around him, Pfc. Carter then 
commenced leading them from the path of the rapidly approaching brush 
fire when he observed a hostile grenade land between him and his 
companions. Fully aware of the probable consequences of his action but 
determined to protect the men following him, he unhesitatingly threw 
himself over the grenade, absorbing the full effects of its detonation 
with his body. Pfc. Carter's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative 
and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the 
Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in 
the service of his country.''
  The citation speaks volumes. In this time when we have two wars 
ongoing, it is such a good reminder of the kind of person who serves 
this country and commits him or herself to the protection of others, 
even until death. I am sure that Georgi would be the first to say that 
although this Center is named for Pfc Carter, it is a testament to the 
legacy of all of our brave veterans. In her work as President of the 
Gold Star Mothers Inc, she knows better than most the toll that war can 
take on families and I also take this opportunity to thank her for her 
dedication and tireless work on behalf of our veterans.

                          ____________________