[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 1689]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING BILLY KIRKBRIDE

  (Mr. STEWART asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. STEWART. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to recognize a true 
American hero, Utah veteran Billy Kirkbride, who was just awarded the 
Congressional Gold Medal.
  Billy joined the Army in 1942, and he was chosen to be part of the 
unique program called the First Special Service Force which was the 
forerunner of today's Special Forces. It was here that he became a 
member of the very elite Devil's Brigade.
  The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to those who have performed 
amazing feats leaving permanent impacts upon American culture and 
history. As a former Air Force pilot, I know the sacrifice and the 
dedication that it takes to become one of America's elite warriors.
  It is an honor to stand here today not just before the American 
people, but before his lovely wife and daughters to pay tribute to the 
sacrifice and dedication that Billy showed through his service to this 
great Nation.
  He doesn't just represent the strength of the Armed Forces, he 
represents American values that continue to make our Nation great, and 
millions of us are grateful for his service.

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