[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 3]
[House]
[Page 3178]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF JOE SILVERSMITH

  (Mr. LUJAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Marine 
Corporal Joe Silversmith, who passed away earlier this week at the age 
of 86. As a Navajo code talker, Corporal Silversmith earned the Silver 
Congressional Medal of Honor for his service during World War II when 
he answered the call of duty and served his country in the South 
Pacific from 1943 to 1946.
  Corporal Silversmith was part of an invaluable group of Navajo men 
who transmitted secret communications during the war that contributed 
to victory for the Allied forces.
  As we take this moment to remember the contributions of Corporal 
Silversmith, we are reminded of the brave service of all Navajo code 
talkers. Corporal Silversmith and his brothers in arms were nothing 
short of heroes for their efforts during the war. Joe Silversmith went 
on to become a minister after returning home from the war and a well-
respected member of the community, always supporting those he 
ministered to. He will be missed.
  As we mourn the passing of Joe Silversmith and celebrate his life, my 
thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Ramona, and their two daughters 
during this sad time.

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