[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 1731]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING THE SERVICE OF
                            DOUG RICHARDSON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Jolly) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a gentleman who has 
dedicated his life to serving our Nation, a true American hero from the 
State of Florida, Mr. Doug Richardson. Mr. Richardson is retiring from 
the United States Special Operations Command after 50 years of 
government service.
  Mr. Richardson currently serves as a defense intelligence senior 
leader and as the program executive officer for Surveillance, 
Reconnaissance, and Exploitation at USSOCOM. A West Point graduate, Mr. 
Richardson distinguished himself throughout his military career, 
retiring as a colonel from Active Duty in the United States Army in 
1993 and then continuing his service to USSOCOM as a civilian.
  Perhaps the best example of Doug's integrity and courage is recorded 
in his Silver Star Medal citation, which was awarded to Doug for his 
heroism in combat during the Vietnam war. On June 18, 1969, while 
serving as an adviser with the 4th Cavalry Regiment of the Army of the 
Republic of Vietnam, then-Captain Richardson accompanied a small 
armored infantry team moving to break through a very determined enemy 
force to rescue the crewmen of a downed United States Army helicopter. 
As the unit approached the village, it came under intense rocket-
propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire from very well-concealed 
positions. The area was also known to be heavily mined and set with 
traps.
  As the attempts of the Vietnamese to reach the helicopter were 
continually repulsed by enemy counterattacks, Captain Richardson 
dismounted his track, rallied a small force of Vietnamese soldiers, and 
then led them to the helicopter through enemy fire, exhorting his 
comrades to vigorously engage the enemy. Disregarding his personal 
safety and armed with only a pistol, Captain Richardson led his men 
through the mined area and into an assault on the enemy positions.
  Following his example, the soldiers, though at a tactical 
disadvantage, pressed the attack vigorously and ultimately broke the 
resistance and secured the helicopter. Despite a hail of small-arms 
fire and hand grenades directed at his position, Doug continued his 
search for the survivors until he had found the remains of all U.S. 
crewmembers and then remained to extract the bodies of his fallen 
comrades from the wreckage. As a result of Captain Richardson's valiant 
display of battlefield courage, the Vietnamese force was able to hold 
the area from a tenacious enemy and return the fallen soldiers to 
allied control.
  Mr. Speaker, USSOCOM will miss Doug Richardson's leadership. As a 
Nation, let us recognize his valiant service. I ask that this body join 
me in honoring and congratulating Mr. Doug Richardson on a most 
honorable and truly heroic career.

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