[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 762-763]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF JAMES J. SWEENEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PATRICK MEEHAN

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2013

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor James J. Sweeney of 
Havertown, Pennsylvania. Mr. Sweeney entered the United States Navy 
after graduating from high school in 1943, and served aboard the USS 
Hancock. The Hancock took part in some of World War II's most pivotal 
battles, including the invasions of the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and 
Okinawa. Mr. Sweeney was honored for his heroic service and awarded the 
Philippines Liberation Medal, 5 Battles Stars and a Presidential Unit 
Commendation.
  It was during his time in the Navy that Mr. Sweeney befriended his 
shipmate, John Finn. Lt. Finn received the Medal of Honor for his 
heroic actions at Pearl Harbor. During the Japanese surprise attack, 
Lt. Finn manned his

[[Page 763]]

machine gun and fought off the Japanese Zeroes for 2\1/2\ hours even as 
he took an onslaught of bullets and shrapnel. And for the past 9 years, 
James Sweeney has tirelessly worked to honor Lt. John Finn, who passed 
away in 2009. On February 15, 2011, those efforts proved successful as 
the Navy announced that a new guided missile destroyer will be named 
the USS John Finn. For these efforts Mr. Sweeney is being honored by 
American Legion Post 667 in Havertown. On behalf of a grateful nation, 
I congratulate Mr. Sweeney on his efforts to ensure that Lt. Finn's 
name and legacy lives on, and for his service during World War II, 
reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Navy.

                          ____________________