[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13233]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    MEMORIAL TRIBUTE FOR SENIOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER SPECIAL WARFARE 
                    OPERATOR THOMAS ARTHUR RATZLAFF

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2011

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Senior Chief Petty 
Officer Special Warfare Operator Thomas Arthur Ratzlaff who died August 
6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Senior Chief Ratzlaff was a 
patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the 
security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.
  Senior Chief Ratzlaff was a highly decorated combat veteran with 
numerous awards and decorations, including five Bronze Star Medals with 
Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Joint 
Service Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, 
two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Combat Action 
Ribbons, Presidential Unit Citation, and numerous other personal and 
unit decorations. Additionally, Senior Chief Ratzlaff was awarded the 
Star of Military Valor, for actions in Afghanistan while supporting 
Canadian Soldiers. He is only the second American since World War I to 
have this honor bestowed upon him.
  Senior Chief Ratzlaff is survived by his loving family, friends, and 
teammates.
  His nation owes Senior Chief Ratzlaff an enormous debt of gratitude. 
We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his 
country.
  I wish to extend my condolences to Senior Chief Ratzlaff's family, 
friends and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his 
lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are 
with them.

                          ____________________