[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Pages 7769-7770]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DAVID McCULLEN

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor David 
McCullen, a veteran of the war in Vietnam. David, on behalf of all 
Montanans and all Americans, I stand to say thank you for your service 
to this Nation. It is my honor to share the story of David's service 
because no story of heroism should ever go unrecognized.
  David was born in Miles City, MT, in February of 1949. Soon after, 
his family moved to California, where he attended Asuza High School 
near Los Angeles. While in high school, David was a wrestler, lettering 
in the sport his senior year. After graduating from high school, David 
joined the famed 101st Airborne Division--known as the Screaming 
Eagles--and began training at Fort Ord.
  David then attended advanced individual training at Fort Gordon and 
jump school at Fort Benning--both in Georgia.

[[Page 7770]]

  On May 8, 1969, David left for Vietnam. Just 2 days later, David's 
regiment was assigned to Operation Apache Snow and took part in the 
mission that became known as the Battle of Hamburger Hill. This hard-
fought offensive became the basis for several movies and books about 
the Vietnam war. For over a week, American forces attempted to take 
Hill 937. Seventy-two American soldiers were killed in the battle, and 
more than 300 were wounded. For its heroism, David's battalion was 
awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.
  After a 2-year tour in the military, David returned to California, 
living there and in Iowa for many years. David moved back home to Miles 
City in 2000.
  Today, in our presence, it is my honor to present David with his 
Presidential Unit Citation. These decorations are small tokens, but 
they are powerful symbols of true heroism, sacrifice, and dedication to 
service. These medals are presented on behalf of a grateful 
nation.

                          ____________________