[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13299]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   MEMORIAL TRIBUTE FOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER SPECIAL WARFARE OPERATOR 
                          MATTHEW DAVID MASON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 9, 2011

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Petty Officer 
Special Warfare Operator Matthew David Mason who died August 6th in 
Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Chief Mason was a patriot and a hero who 
made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our Nation. He 
will be greatly missed.
   Chief Mason was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous 
awards, including three Bronze Star Medals with Valor, including one 
for extraordinary heroism, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious 
Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and 
Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps 
Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, two Presidential Unit 
Citations, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, 
two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on 
Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, 
and numerous other personal and unit decorations.
   Chief Mason is survived by his family, friends, and teammates.
   His Nation owes Chief Mason 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 Chief Mason'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.

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