Transcripts For CSPAN3 Congressional 20240704

Hello a speaker of the house. It is my pri hello, as speaker of the house it is my privilege to welcome you all to the celebration of awe inspiring courage and resilience. Today we gather virtually to bestow congresss highest honor, the congressional gold medal, on nearly 3000 american heroes merrills marauders. Let us salute the family and friends who have continued to tell the story of these brave warriors, and advocated for the recognition they deserve. Thank you to the u. S. Army leaders joining us today, including secretary of the Army Christine mormoth and army chief of staff general james mcconnell. Let us recognize the members of congress who worked to make this momentous event possible, including the late senator Johnny Isaacson, who showed his Great Respect for our veterans through his the leadership of Veterans Affairs committee. A champion of marauders legacy and former congressman, peter cain, also ever voice for our nations veterans. Finally, thank you to all of those joining us on line to honor the marauders profound patriotism and unwavering devotion. Ladies and gentlemen, at this time can you please stand as you are able for the presentation of the colors, and the national anthem. [inaudible] colors present. Oh say can you see, by the dawns early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilights last gleaming. Whose bright stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, over the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave . For the land of the free and the home of the brave. Right shoulder. Colors, march. Latest gentlemen, please join me as we mark this very special occasion in the lords prayer. Gracious on our civil war, you are the giver of life, the igniter of faith, the provider of hope, and the author of love. Mighty one, oh ancient, you have commanded us to be strong and courageous because you are always with us. Wray save your service most humble prayer as we gather today to remember, honor, and celebrate a group of man who truly set the example for others to follow. In 1943 our nation called out, who will go for us . Who can we stand behind the japanese lines . 3000 american soldiers responded,. A the man of the 5307 composite unit merrills marauders answer the president ial call to embark on a dangerous and hazardous mission. Lord, i pray your mighty blessing on those merrills marauders who are here today to witness our nations bestowing its highest expression of National Appreciation on their unit, in recognition of their faithful service to our nations people. Bless our time together today, in your matchless and merciful name, amen. Hello from paris, i am delighted to join you today at this ceremony. I have my marauders hat, here, which i was given a few years ago, and which it is a very proud souvenir of the two years i spent researching and writing the history of the marauders in 2013 in 2014. It was an honor for me, you can hear i am englishman, to write about this finest of american units whose exploits in world war ii will live forever in history to a testament to the courage, and the fortitude, and the fellowship of a small band of men who volunteered for a hazardous mission, not knowing what it was. But wishing to do, in the parlance of the time, their bit to free the world of tyranny. And, i was fortunate enough to interview quite a number of the marauder veterans. It was humbling to hear their experiences with operations in burma. Fighting against a ferocious enemy in the japanese. But, also, enduring the debilitating diseases that ravaged the marauders. Overcoming the environment. I remember hearing tales of climbing the khumont mountains on the way, of course, they defenders. What struck me most, or what really embodies the marauders spirit, the indomitability of the marauders is the siege. And, when they resisted waves of japanese attacks, they also overcame starvation, thirst, and disease to emerge triumphant. That, for me, captures the marauders. It is why i am so proud to join you today. I am sorry i am so far away, but i am there in spirit and my thoughts are with you, god bless. I am former congressman pete king from new york, i want to thank Speaker Nancy Pelosi for giving me this privilege and opportunity to take part in the ceremony of the congressional gold medal for merrills marauders. I was proud to cosponsor this legislation when i was in the house along with Johnny Isaacson in the senate. It meant a great deal to me, a constituent of mine from raven hurst is a veteran of merrills marauders. He detailed for me all of their accomplishments, all of their bravery, and fought to the very and to get this legislation through. I cannot thank him enough. Sadly, he passed away weeks ago at the age of 99, but his spirit is with us today and his legacy will continue through this congressional gold medal, i also want to thank the staff who did they work in making sure this bill made it to the finish line. And, again, thank you to nancy pelosi for having it pass. And for signing it into law. Merrills marauders are legendary. What they did in the burma and china theater was so central to the campaign. They fought their way through miles of terrain. They took the airstrip, which was so central to the japanese and then became central to us winning in that region of the war. They suffered many casualties, it was extraordinary suffering they went through. They were outmanned, they were outgunned, they were engaged more than 30 battles and struggles with the japanese. But they were never out gutted. And, their victory was very central to the victory in the entire pacific. Again, they were the greatest generation, they were what it was all about and i am proud to be part of the ceremony which should be forever commemorating the bravery and courage of what it means to be an american. Thank you, all god bless america. Today we honor some of our most courageous and noble veterans of world war ii. Merrills marauders, i have been a leading supporter of the effort to bestow the congressional gold medal on these deserving soldiers, and though we cannot gather in person today, i am grateful i have this opportunity to join my colleagues and celebrating their service and valor. As a congressman representing georgias second congressional district, the home of fort benning, i am proud to be an original cosponsor of the legislation that awarded the congressional gold medal too merrills marauders. The legendary 75th Ranger Regiment, known widely as the army rangers, was headquartered at fort benning and faces its lineage to the 500 and 30 seventh composite division unit. It continues to wear the merrills marauders patch as crest. Also, the military intelligence there is named after vincent molinaro, who passed away in 2015 and was georgias last surviving member of the marauders. Merrills marauders fought in what some refer to as the forgotten china burma india theater of world war ii. They fought in treacherous jungle warfare and behind enemy lines. Often without the resources or support available to other units operating on the front lines. On more than one occasion, the unit overcame superior numbers and arms to win the day. They marauders actions were violent to the allies success, and, unparalleled in so many ways. There is also important to remember the japanese americans were members of merrills marauders serving as intelligence translators. They were crucial to the success. There were accomplishments in the china, burma, India Operations merrills marauders were awarded the president ial unit citation. Every member of the unit earned a bronze star medal, an extremely rare distinction among combat outfits. The army also awarded six distinguished services, for legions america, and 44 silver star medals to the marauders. 25 merrills marauders have been inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of fame. Today we celebrate merrills marauders service, and add one more accommodation to their legacy. By bestowing upon them the congressional gold medal. Thank you to our soldiers who served, thank you to their families who sacrificed and supported which was crucial during and after the war. And now, as we preserve their legacy. Hi, congressman mike waltz here, as a ranger qualified green berets, i am thrilled to have been a part of awarding the congressional gold medal to the heroes of the merrills marauders. I cant think of another unit that injured such hardships it behind enemy lines in the jungles of burma and southeast asia. Often kind of from their supplies and literally conducting Impossible Missions in defensive freedom. I am especially, especially thrilled that we can get this gold medal passed through the house of representatives while we still have survivors of the merrills marauders with us. Look, anything that we can do, we should be doing to recognize these types of heroes that set the stage for the worlds longest period of prosperity since world war ii. For our world order where the United States leads in line with its liberal values. And that literally gave their all in defence of freedom. God bless you, i salute you, and rangers lead the way. Hello everyone. I am congressman marc takano, chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. I would like to extend my thanks to Speaker Pelosi for inviting me to speak today as we come together to honor the bravery and sacrifice of merrills marauders, with eight a congressional medal. The marauders, officially recognized as a 5307 positive unit, join a group of Exceptional Individuals and organizations as we present them with one of our nations highest honors. During world war ii the marauders spent months behind enemy lines and japanese occupied burma. The all volunteer unit, led by Brigadier General frank mural, tracked hundreds of miles through perilous jungles and mountains, while battling disease, hunger, heavy rains, and hostile troops. Through all of this, the marauders remain steadfast in their mission to disrupt japanese communications, and supply lines. After five major battles and at least 30 miter gauge ones, the marauders achieved their final objective of capturing burmas major airstrip, clearing the way for allies to open it critical supply route between india and china. More than 3000 individuals volunteered to serve across the units three battalions. By the end of the conflict, around 200 members remained. These extraordinary volunteers stepped up and served valiantly when their country needed them. Their courage and resolve, and the sacrifices of all of those lost is deserving of our highest honor and deepest gratitude. Now, thanks to the tireless work of veterans, and advocates, congress has the honor of presenting the marauders with a congressional gold medal today. To all of the veterans and their families with us today, thank you. We are eternally grateful for your bravery, and sacrifice. It is an honor and a privilege for me to be able to speak to the men of the United States armys, 5307th composite unit. Merrills marauders. A unit of legendary distinction. I am proud that we will today bestow upon them one of our nations very highest honors, the congressional gold medal. For nearly three months in 1943, the marauders undertook one of the most daring and treacherous missions of world war ii. Under constant fire, from the japanese force, and played by monsoons, diseases, scorching heat, and venomous threats, the marauders battled for nearly 1000 miles through the burmese jungle. Eventually winning back the critical airfield at. Of the 3000 americans who originally sought off on the campaign, only 200 ultimately remained standing to seize and hold the airfield. Theirs was both a remarkable and a courageous feat. The rogers ferocious tenacity, and the unimaginable conditions they endured, made then one of the most renowned units of world war ii. Throughout my time in the army, my fellow soldiers and i have often look to the broaders as the put of of bravery and inspiration in trying times. Since the american revolution, the congressional gold medal has represented the nations highest expression of appreciation for distinguished events and contributions. Although todays medal will be received by the surviving members of the marauders, it also serves as a tribute to all of those men who fell in the jungles of burma and who have passed in the year since. We owe them a debt that cannot be repaid. And todays ceremony acknowledges that indeed, freedom is not free. The congressional gold medal, awarded today to the men of merrills marauders, commemorates their service and sacrifice. With their example, we are reminded how we might take up there and finish mission to strive with courage and absolute commitment to serve the nation in order to create a more perfect union. We hello im colonel jay d. Curving knife of the sting honor of serving as the. We legacy of merrills marauders. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in honoring the marauders with the congressional gold medal. The marauders are example fall out. They werent all volunteer longrange special operations unit, charged with seizing each terrain and conditions others shied away from. Like them, the modernday ranger is a light but lethal force of volunteers, focused on strategical arrays and capable of operating in places unexpected by adversaries. Merrills marauders were comprised of six combat teams. They coded the seams red, white, blue, khaki, green, and orange. Today, the six colors can be found on the flashes of every time beret worn by a u. S. Army ranger. Our unit crest displays a star, sun, and lightning bolt capturing the behind enemy lines, each right character of the world war ii marauders. You can find this cross displayed on our uniforms and throughout our facilities. We today salute the marauders of world war ii. Your legacy is impossible to forget. You inspire us and the memory of your fellow marauders does not go forgotten. The marauders move further, faster, and fought harder and we strive to do the same. The legacy of the marauders encourage rangers in korea, vietnam, grenada, panama, somalia, and throughout the war on terrorism. That legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire americans, young and old, for decades to come. Thank you. Good afternoon, it is my distinct honor to join Speaker Pelosi, distinguished members of congress, general mcconville, and colonel kusey today to recognize the heroic achievements of miracles marauders. Representatives at todays virtual ceremony, by proud family members and three living legends. Master Sergeant Gill highland, mr. Russell hammer, and mr. Gabe kenny. Id like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of mr. Rally nays, and former Staff Sergeant bob passed in d. C. Who served as the historians for the marauders, who both passed away this april. We are grateful to all of the heroes for documenting and sharing their account of their units triumph in the jungles of burma. We stand in awe of the legacy they live with us. The courage and grit of the 3000 men who answered president roosevelts call to join the dangerous and hazardous mission, is a testament to true service and valor. Led by Brigadier General frank miller meryl, these soldiers trained hard, traveled to a part of the world to which they had never been, all to carry out an arduous mission on behalf of flag and country in support of freedom and democracy. Its fitting that the heroism of morales marauders before ever recognized and honored by the congressional gold medal. And we are grateful to everyone who made this honor possible. To the surviving members of merrills marauders, your achievement shine brightly as an example for todays 75th Ranger Regiment and all of the soldiers of the United States army to follow. Your bravery, and Outstanding Service in the jungles of burma, speaks for itself and the ultimate sacrifice of the soldiers of the 5307 composite unit provisional will not be forgotten. Hello, im general jim mcconville, will the 40th chief of staff of the United States army. And i am truly honored and proud to recognize the legendary merrills marauders and participate in this congressional gold medal ceremony. On behalf of a great army, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to this distinguished group of heroes, along with their families and supporters that helped make a day like this happen. They represent the best of our army, and the best of our nation. They answered the call for the most dangerous missions, and they faced the most brutal conditions in the jungles of burma. They injured fierce combat, lifethreatening illnesses, extreme exhaustion, and heat. And in the toughest terrain one can face in battle. Everything they did led the foundation for the creation of our army Ranger Regiment. Our soldiers are deployed all around the world in extremely challenging situations and they stand on the shoulders of heroes like the merrills marauders. Their extraordinary stories of just a termination and heroism inspire our generations of soldiers today and will for many more generations to come. We strive every day to live up to the legacy they have left us. Thank you, so much. The wind 80 years ago, at the head of world war ii, president Franklin Roosevelt issued a call for volunteers for what he called a dangerous and hazardous mission in a faraway land. 3000 men responded. They have become known as merrills marauders. Their story is one of heroism and hardship, in the jungles of burma, they saw war at its worst. With only what they could carry on their backs or pack on mules, they mount almost 1000 miles, further than any other fighting force in world war ii. When they were not marching or fighting, five major battles, and 30 minor engagements against the japanese, in a little more than five months. They also battled hunger, disease, and exhaustion. In their mission sounds impossible to you, it was. Even army leaders did not expect them to survive. As sam wilson, who fought in burma and later helped the armys start delta force, put it, we were expendable. A plan existed on paper to get us into burma, but no plan existed to get us out. But wilson and his comrades did what american soldiers do, they adapted, they endured, and they never, ever quit. Why . Did they fight for fame, glory, or even for the honor we bestow on them today . No. They fought to protect their home, to preserve our way of life. Our nation is fortunate to have men like merrills marauders. Heroes who are willing to accept any risk when america is threatened. They embody what it really means to be an american. So, as we honor these men and remember their great deeds today, lets remember that freedom we enjoy is special. And that is why we must defend it. Thank you. The call went out for volunteers. The mission will be deep behind enemy lines. Those who entered war were a motley crew who were told as many as 90 would not make it back. There were men who had never seen combat, such a story could only exist on the silver screen. But, over six long months, this was real life for nearly 3000 american soldiers. Sent on a mission to destroy japanese supply lines in the jungles of burma. Some they came from all 50 states. Were grain, others were seasoned veterans, a few even came straight out of military prison to join in the outfit. The march in the history books was paid with hardship for every casualty they suffered and battle with the japanese, more died from disease. By the time frank meryl and his marauders made the heart of the japanese territory. All but two but had been hospitalized for wounds or disease. The general himself suffered a heart attack. But, the marauders have secured an important ally foothold who helped turn the tide in the war. Then, as quickly as the 5307 had been created, it was folded back into the rest of the army. But the marauders legacy lives on. They set the bar for generations of americas most elite fighting forces, and todays 75th Ranger Regiment its especially proud to we trace its lineage right back to the marauders. So, to the literal trail blazers with us today, we are so proud to salute merrills marauders and confer this highest honor. Hi, everyone, it is senator chuck schumer, and it is my honor to join Speaker Pelosi, my colleagues, and all of you as we present the congressional gold medal to merrills marauders. 79 years ago, 3000 brave americans answered the call to accept one of the most dangerous undertakings of the second world war. Crossing the highest mountains and penetrating the dances jungles of burma, the unit was code named gallahad and marched thousands of miles deeper into and in me territory. They were often outnumbered and outgunned, they were not overmatched. All of these years later, every one of us is inspired and grateful, and humbled by the example of great americans, who put the good of their country and their fellow citizens above their own safety, and in doing so it helped free the world from the sting of tyranny. Today, freedom and democracy are once again in danger around the world, and we look to the sacrifices of those who came before us for strength, inspiration, and wisdom. So, finally, as we say thank you, disgraceful nation pledges to never forget what the marauders did for our country, and always remember those who fought for us. I wish we could have done this moment together in person, but, wherever you all may be i offer you along with your family as my greatest measure of thanks. Merrills marauders stand among the great heroes of our history. Nearly 80 years later, americans remain in awe of their courage, valor, and patriotism. Willing to go where no others would dare. When our nation was attacked at pearl harbor they violently stepped forward and sailed across the globe, taking the fight against fascism deep behind enemy lines, upped a steep himalayan foothills and into the dense burmese jungle, they braved nearly 1000 miles of some of the worlds hardest terrain. Often outnumbered, these heroes never wavered as they waged a righteous battle for liberty and america and in the world. Theyre extraordinary hard work helped turn the tide in the Pacific Theater and propel the atlas to victory in the second world war. On behalf of the United States congress, and all americans, i am honored to present this congressional gold medal to merrills marauders in recognition of their bravery and Outstanding Service. May this metal serve as an expression of our nations deepest gratitude, and respect. And may its place in the smithsonian remind future generations of the marauders fight for freedom and democracy. Now, we have the privilege of hearing from five courageous marauders. Russell hamler, gilbert howland, gabriel kane, robbie mays, and it was not that they were going to pick these people to go, mr. Russell haim or actually went on this mission by volunteered. He walked through the himalayas with just the pack on his back, and a pack mule. They got their equipment in. Now, moving through these generals and cutting their way through there, they faced enemy combatants, starvation, and malaria. Now, what sets these men apart is that during that time they using have out of the box thinking, they actually would throw grenades into water and boil the fish, so that they could cook them in the helmets and deal with that starvation. When they would receive cattle, they had to cut up parts of the jungle in order to even out their casualties. They did not have artillery, they did they did everything on foot with what they had. Talking with mr. Russell hamler, at one point he was injured in combat. He continued to fight in the foxhole where he was for ten more days, keeping that enemy away. That is merrills marauders, right . The men that went forward to establish that footprint behind enemy lines, disrupting the japanese supply lines so that america could go and establish a footprint in burma. For mr. Hamler, and i do not know if a lot of you know this, but, there are four remaining marauders alive, him being one of them. Now, sir, you are the definition, you are the definition of an army ranger. And, you have set the example for all army rangers. For the military on how we should portray ourselves. You have laid down the foundation, he has laid down the foundation that has been necessary for us to build off of and make ourselves into what we are today. Personally, it is a great honor of being here to give this on behalf of the army ranger association. So, on behalf of them, on behalf of the United States, the u. S. Army, the air Marine Training brigade, and the fifth ranger county, mr. Russell hamler, we want to recognize you with the congressional gold medal. Oh, thank you. [applause] in world war ii, we had sent the greatest people. And all along, the United States, we have some of the greatest and the nicest people in the world. And they are always ready to help, and i remember when the war broke out. I will tell you something, a little story, i was 17 and a half, and me and my mother were in the kitchen and the radio was on. And on a news broadcast came over, they had blown a factory in germany. My mother turned and said that is my uncles factory because she was from germany. , but all of the americans were ready to go, and ready to fight. Now my thing is that i would like to see them outlaw wars. I sit home thinking and talking to myself, a lot. [laughs] i would like to see them outlaw wars, where they can. Like we have senators and congressman, where they have a group of people that would handle these problems. Like say the United States and mexico, say they have a problem. So, this group would get together and iron in out in words instead of bullets. Because, now i listen to that thing over there where the russians are killing little kids, it is just so awful. People that hasnt been people around killings that do not realize how it is not nice. Its not even nice to be shown that, let alone shoot somebody else. I would like to see a peaceful world, okay . [applause] [applause] and i live in a peaceful [inaudible] [laughter] [applause] place here. I was born and raised in the neighborhood. Now, we were one of the [inaudible]. Everybody got along anyway. Get along, have fun. [applause] in late 1943, when a president ial call for Army Volunteers conducted dangerous and hazardous missions, somewhere in the world, season infantry men and newly enlisted soldiers alike volunteered for this mission. And gabe kenney was one of them who answered the call. Equipped with only what they could carry on their backs, and pack mules, the marauders made military history by walking farther than any other American World war ii fighting force almost 1000 miles to complete their mission of seizing northern burmas mykina airship which they did, and wish they accomplished may 17th 1944. No other American Fighting force has marched as far, no other American Fighting force has fought so continuously or had to display such endurance as these american heroes. Now, the marauders, in recognition of their bravery, their service, and their sacrifice, have been approved by congress to be awarded its highest honor, the congressional gold medal. So ranger gabe kenny, will you please join me to receive the congressional gold medal behalf of all meryls marauders . [applause]. Please accep this medal on behalf of all merrills marauders, for their service and their sacrifice your nation. You, and our merrills marauders, are truly national treasures. And it is my honor to present this metal to you. I was an admiral merrills marauders unit. For that unit to have received this medal is something i am particularly proud of for the unit and all of us. For all of those members, theyve returned to the stage as i did the rest of the group has passed away and never seen or heard of this medal. I hope that their descendants, family could be as pleased with and proud of this, for this declaration of a unit as i and my family were proud of it. There is one of other group that we all want to be proud of, and that is this young man who was left in burma and did not get to return. So let us remember those, now and forever. That is good, colonel, thank you. Thank you, sir. All right, good afternoon everybody. Thank you for allowing me to come be a part of todays momentous occasion. I would like to also briefly think the Mountain Rangers association, the airborne trainer regrade for the experience, and or the honor the honor. Also, a huge thank you to jim for coordinating this presentation. Roland niece was born in 1922, into a patriotic midwestern family with strong, unshakable beliefs, morals, and values. Raleigh, alongside five his brothers, answered his nations call and joined the army in order to keep the enemies of america and freedom at bay. He would then volunteer for a dangerous, and hazardous mission that he if were expected to survive. Riley joined the composite unit, 50 307, provisional and was assigned to the Red Combat Team of the First Battalion. This elite unit volunteers were charged with conducting deep, longrange penetration operations behind enemy lines, oftentimes engaging japanese forces, superior in number. On 24 february, 1944, raleigh and the rest of the merrills marauders began a 1005 mile march into at tight Mountain Range and into the burmese jungle. While in burma, the merrills marauders were usually outnumbered by japanese forces, yet always inflected greater casualties than they received. Raleigh and his fellow marauders use their speed, surprise, and over welling being violence of action to find success. Though their Living Conditions were unimaginable, uncomfortable to today standards, there fortitude and courage allow them to continually fight on to their objective complete their mission. The 50 307 was disbanded in august 1944. But their lineage, directly inspired the formation of todays elite special operations 75th Ranger Regiment. The worlds premier great force and infantry organization. In the words of sir isaac newton, he said, if i have seen further it is because i stood on the shoulders of giants. Raleigh nays and the merrills marauders laid the foundation for past, present, and future army rangers. These giants set the standards for the president showers to follow. I can tell you how lucky and honored i am to stand in raleighs presence. Here today, and recognize the service to the nation. We had a behind every great man is a woman that supports him. For raleighs 75 years, that was his wife betty. But he was devoted to raleigh. Even up until recently, visiting him daily at the nursing home during the covid lockdowns. Betty would continue to contact her daily visits and set aside his window reading letters. Though betty passed last july, i know that she is still here with us today. As proud today as she has always been of her lifelong love. So without further ado, on behalf of the ranger community, the army, and the United States of america, id like to formally present mr. Raleigh nays congressional gold medal. Mr. Nays, you are a giant amongst men. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice for this great nation. It is an honor to meet a real life hero. Thank you very much. [applause] all right, it is a tremendous honor to be here to award the congressional gold medal to Staff Sergeant robert e. Passenisi. For his service in the 53rd composite unit provisional, merrills marauders. For their service during the Burmese Campaign in world war ii. As many know, the merrills marauders are the precursors to the 75th Ranger Regiment. And because of the courage and bravery of men like bob. And that is seen in his enlistment at 17 years old, and then again when he volunteered for the marauder mission as the only person in his 250 person signal company. He is a true selfless server. He was with First Battalion from the beginning in the train up in india, and with his fellow marauders he experienced some of the most physically rigorous, contiguous combat everything United States army. Despite some severe illness, and several combat wounds, he fought to stay on the battlefield with his soldiers. At the battlefield of michinaw, which some would argue is the marquee battle of the marauders, he was on the frontlines maintaining communications for the seizure of the airfield in july of 1944. And his service to the marauders didnt stop there. He has been heralding the exploits of his comrades for many years and will he has been the historian and the spokesperson for the association during that time. In 2016, he was inducted into the ranger hall of fame as a dedication for his selfservice to the raging community. So bob, it is my distinct honor on behalf of congress to present you with the congressional gold medal for your service with the merrills marauders, and to your nation. So thank you, sir. General i would like to express my gratitude for the statement of the congressional gold medal. The highest civilian award given by congress, recognizing Outstanding Achievement that has had an impact on history. It is a sorry fact that there are only five marauders alive of the of the 3000 who truly earned this metal. We had no idea where we were going. We didnt know where we were going. Or when we would return, or what was expected of us only that our president asked us to. How do you define such men . I want to thank congressman peter cain, who introduced merrills marauders gold medal act, along with senator Johnny Isaacson who saw sponsored the act and continues to work on getting sponsors. Miss scott stone, who used the resources of his office to expedite the award. And last but not least, attorney frederick , of the law firm who ought to gain recognition and support for the. Of course there are many others who have pitched in, without news efforts, this legislation would not have been successful. Thank you to the 75th Ranger Regiment, and their undying support in the spirit of keeping the spirit of merrills marauders alive. Rangers, lead the way. Im command Sergeant Major joey deblaisure. Im located at frankly meryl. We are here today to honor major gilbert h. Helen, a true living legend. And i was a first of foremost, i am honored and humbled to present the marauders congressional medal today. We cannot express the debt that must be paid. A cost we cannot comprehend. I thank you that falls short. But on her, we must. Tsai i also want to wish you a happy birthday. Master helen turns nine and nine years old today. Master holland is a threetime badge recipient. A veteran of world war ii, the korean war, and vietnam, where he served two combat tours. Mass Sergeant Hollins is a veteran. Hes a fourtime ross are subpoenaed, a purple heart recipient, and is in the Army Ranger Hall of fame. However, today it is to recognize his contribution to the infamous 5307 seventh unit provisional. A top secret special operations jungle warfare unit that fought behind eminently lines in japanese held burma. The unit is commonly referred to merrills marauders. Mass argue for helmand selflessly volunteered for the secret mission with the understanding that many would not survive. He volunteered because he thought it was his duty. Mass are helen was assigned to the green camp combat team. At the time, corporal haaland was in charge of 28 man machine gun teams. The marauders moved over 750 miles in japanesecontrolled territory, in just under five months. By foot. Their mission was a great success, participating in five major engagements, and very minor gauge ones. Defeating the veteran soldiers of the japanese 18th division, by disrupting the enemy communication lines and ending with the capture of the mackinnon airfield in northern burma. Master helen is one of eight original barrels marauders to receive the award, and one of five remaining today. On behalf of a grateful nation, and the fifth battalion, master help you and i am honored to present you the medal today. We [applause] beautiful. I want to thank congress for awarding merrills marauders the congressional gold medal. We spent four months deep behind enemy lines and were able to defeat a much larger Japanese Division with our six combat teams in the jungle and the mountains of northern burma. All casualties were high, i accept this metal on behalf of every marauder who fought bravely in 1944. Those we can never forget the memory of those in burma, my duty, honor, country. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, as we leave this ceremony today, i asked you join me in a blessing and prayer. Thank you, almighty father, for each of these man, they served our nation as dedicated soldiers who helped lay the mighty foundation of freedom upon which we stand today. Their Selfless Service rendered to a grateful nation honors your call for us to want love one another. You imbued these man with courage, character, and commitment to live the values codified in the ranger creed. They moved further than any other dismounted ground force, they energetically met and defeated the enemies of their country. They did not leave a single fallen comrade to fall in the hands of the enemy. We are grateful for the families, you are blessed to form these men into a cohesive team. Trained, disciplined, and fit to win on the battlefield. Bless this men, their families, and our nation. Keep the lamp of liberty shining forthrightly across our nation, and let it always serve as a beacon of hope to all freedom loving people. It is in your holy, majestic, magnificent, and mighty name i pray. Amen. What a pleasure to hear from the marauders themselves. And what a privilege to pay tribute to those who fought so that freedom may ring out across the world. Nearly eight decades after merrills marauders completed their mission, each of us continues to reap the fruits of their valor. And, as we celebrate the marauders heroism, let us recommit to supporting those who carry on their legacy today. They survival of our democracy is on the shoulders of our Service Members and their families. Our nation owes them a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice in defense of liberty. So, just as our military lives no soldier behind on the battlefield, we must leave no veteran behind when they come home. Thank you all for joining us today as we conclude this, it is my pleasure to introduce United States army band for a performance of the army song. Thank you. Congress returns from its summer recess in september with a big deal is laid for schedule ahead. Both the house and senate are expected to take a federal spending bills, funding the government through next year to prevent a government shutdown. Current government funding expires on september 30th. Lawmakers are also facing end of the month deadlines to reauthorize faa and pandemic preparedness programs. The senate will continue for and president s judicial nominations, including for the federal reserve. Watch live coverage of the house on cspan, the senate on cspan two, and a reminder that you can watch all of our congressional coverage with our free video app, cspan now. Or online at cspan. Org. Weekends on cspan two are an intellectual feast. Every satellite, American History tv documents america story. And on sundays, book tv brings you the latest in nonfiction books and authors. Funding for cspan two comes from these Television Companies and more, including buckeye broadband. Buckeye broadband, along with these Television Companies, supports cspan 2 as a public service. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our honored guest, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, accompanied by republican leader, kevin mccarthy, janes see clyburn, senator marco rubio, jared kathy