[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8630]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING CLARENCE ``SONNY'' SZEJBACH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Benishek) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, let it be known that it's an honor and 
pleasure to pay tribute to Clarence ``Sonny'' Szejbach for his 
extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving 
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, for 
which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
  Clarence Szejbach served as a United States Army Specialist 4 in 
Company B, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. On 
June 6, 1969, while serving as a radio-telephone operator at Fire 
Support Base Crook in Thai Nin Province, when the base came under 
intense rocket and mortar attack, Specialist Szejbach secured his radio 
and followed the company commander to the defense perimeter to observe 
and report enemy movements. Exposing himself to the rain of enemy fire, 
he assisted in resupplying ammunition to troops in the bunkers. When 
the enemy blew gaps in the wire defenses and attempted to breach the 
perimeter, he helped lead and organize a reaction force which beat back 
the hostile surge. After the battle subsided, he moved with the command 
group through the combat area to inspect enemy casualties and 
equipment. As the group searched the area, a wounded enemy soldier 
threw an anti-tank grenade at the company's commander. Specialist 
Szejbach unhesitatingly moved in front of the officer, deflected the 
armed weapon, and then picked it up and threw it. The grenade exploded 
as it left his hand, inflicting severe wounds on him.
  Specialist Four Szejbach's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty 
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces and 
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States 
Army.
  Clarence ``Sonny'' Szejbach was awarded the Distinguished Service 
Cross on December 7, 1969, the second-highest military decoration that 
can be awarded to a member of the United States Army. Mr. Szejbach, 
however, was unaware that he received this honor until nearly 42 years 
later, when an Antrim County Veterans Service Officer discovered the 
citation in his personnel file.
  Clarence Szejbach returned to his childhood home of northern Michigan 
after his injuries to take over the family business, Ed and Son Food 
Market, in Elk Rapids, Michigan. He and his wife of 42 years, 
Christine, raised three children.
  On behalf of the citizens of Michigan's First District, it's my 
privilege to recognize Clarence Szejbach, an American hero, for his 
service, sacrifice, and continued patriotism.

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