[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 12372-12373]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING DON SIMPSON FOR RECEIVING A SILVER STAR MEDAL FOR HIS 
                    COURAGEOUS SERVICE TO OUR NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 2017

  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding individual 
from my Congressional District Sergeant Don Simpson of Hemet, 
California. Because of his commitment to protecting our nation and his 
fellow service members, Don received a Silver Star Medal. His story is 
truly an inspiration and today, I want to recognize his exceptional 
achievements and courage.
  Don graduated from Hemet High School in 1964 and entered the U.S. 
Army a few years later. During his service, Don was sent to Vietnam 
where he served as a rifleman, Radio Telephone Operator (RTO), and 
squad leader.
  In February of 1967, Don was a Specialist 4 (SPC) and the RTO for a 
reconnaissance team that was conducting a sweep of the forward battle 
area. After disembarking the helicopters, his unit came under intense 
heavy

[[Page 12373]]

enemy automatic weapons fire. Seeking cover behind a small hedge, SPC 
Simpson returned fire against the enemy.
  Over the next hour of intense fighting, SPC Simpson established radio 
communication with Captain Conlon, Alpha Company Commander, requesting 
support from helicopter gunships and artillery. Despite continued 
intense enemy fire, and at great risk to himself, SPC Simpson 
maneuvered to a position allowing him a better view of the enemy. With 
complete disregard for his own personal safety, SPC Simpson established 
direct contact with the Air Force Pilot on station, directing an air 
strike on the enemy. When the first two air strikes did not fully 
eliminate the opposing forces, SPC Simpson directed the strike that was 
dangerously close to himself and his own troops, resulting in 
elimination of the enemy. During the entire combat event, SPC Simpson 
maintained communication with higher command, calling additional air 
support.
  The engagement resulted in 4 personnel killed in action and 8 wounded 
in action. His courageous initiative and exemplary professionalism 
significantly contributed to the successful outcome of the engagement 
and directly led to the saving of his fellow soldiers' lives. 
Specialist 4 Simpson's unquestionable valor while engaged in military 
operation involving conflict with insurgent force is in keeping with 
the finest tradition of the military service and reflects great credit 
upon himself, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the United States Army.
  Five years ago, Don discussed his service and this incident with his 
doctor when getting a VA C&P Exam. The doctor, Mr. Ronnie Immel, 
contacted Don's squad leader Sgt. Carl Lawrence and his 1st Sgt. Ralph 
Cranitz. Both recommended Don for a Silver Star. My office was pleased 
to partner with them to ensure Don's service was properly recognized. 
Together, we worked to find the rest of Don's chain of command and 
submit the Silver Star Medal to the Department of the Army. After a few 
months, Don's Silver Star Medal was finally received and I was honored 
to present it to him.
  Among the many awards he has received for his honorable service are 
the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National 
Defense Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, and the Republic of Vietnam 
Campaign Medal with ``60'' Device.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize and honor Don Simpson. He is 
indeed a hero whose actions embody the true meaning of valor. I am very 
proud to have met him. His years of committed service to our nation are 
an example of excellence and dedication that all should seek to 
emulate.

                          ____________________