[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 11309]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOE MEADE: AN AMERICAN HERO

  (Mr. ROE of Tennessee asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true 
American hero, Private First Class Joe Meade. Private First Class Meade 
was a member of Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines. He died in 
Vietnam when his battalion was fighting outside Da Nang. While carrying 
a wounded comrade to a waiting helicopter, Joe stepped on a land mine 
and, sadly, was killed. Private Meade was only 19 at the time. In 
recognition of his valor, he was awarded the Silver Star.
  Duane Crawford, Private Meade's former commanding officer, who 
recently founded a scholarship in his honor, had these words to say 
about Joe's actions:
  ``With total disregard for his own life, he continually exposed 
himself to danger by administering first aid to his wounded comrades, 
offering them comforting words and helping them to medivac helicopters. 
His courageous actions saved many lives.''
  Even though he lived only 19 years, the legacy Joe left behind is 
truly remarkable. Private First Class Meade exemplified the best of 
America and the United States Marine Corps. For this reason, I ask you 
to join me in commemorating the life of this extraordinary marine.
  Semper Fi, and this is an honor for the 58,479 of our comrades who 
died in Vietnam.

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