[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 10098-10099]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO HOWARD HAYES

  Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Pearl Harbor 
survivor and World War II veteran, Howard Hayes. Mr. Hayes was aboard 
United States Coast Guard Cutter Roger B. Taney, USCGC Taney, and 
moored in Honolulu Harbor as the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred right 
next door. It gives me great pleasure to honor Mr. Hayes for his 
bravery and service during World War II, especially on that specific 
day, December 7, 1941, when he selflessly placed his life on the line 
to defend our Nation.
  Mr. Hayes joined the U.S. Coast Guard on October 21, 1940, and served 
on USCGC Taney as a cook second class. His battle station was manning 
the range finder on the bridge of the ship. On December 7, 1941, when 
the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Mr. Hayes saw the planes flying 
overhead and knew it was not a drill. After arriving at the range 
finder, Mr. Hayes and his crewmates were able to shoot down four planes 
during the attack. I

[[Page 10099]]

extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Hayes for his service and sacrifice, 
which are invaluable to our Nation.
  Recently, Honor Flight Nevada transported Mr. Hayes to see his ship 
for the first time in 71 years and made arrangements so that he could 
go onboard USCGC Taney. During his visit, Mr. Hayes saluted the flag 
and honored his fallen comrades. He is the last known surviving member 
of the ship's crew from that day. This is truly an incredible 
opportunity provided by Honor Flight Nevada. No words or actions can 
adequately thank Mr. Hayes for his service, but those who went above 
and beyond to make this trip possible stand as examples of how we 
should honor our veterans.
  As a World War II veteran, Mr. Hayes' commitment to his country, as 
well as his dedication to his family and community, exemplify why the 
legacy of all World War II veterans must be preserved for generations 
to come. These veterans truly are the Greatest Generation, selflessly 
serving not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. 
As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize that 
Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave 
individuals, but to ensure they are cared for when they return home. I 
remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and 
servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation.
  Mr. Hayes displayed true courage and loyalty in defending our 
country, especially on that historic day during the attack on Pearl 
Harbor. I am both humbled and honored by his service and am proud to 
call him a fellow Nevadan. Today I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing Mr. Hayes for all that he has done for our country. I wish 
him well in his future endeavors.

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