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 bright for years and advocated for the recognition they deserved. Thank you to the u. S. Army leaders joining us today including secretary of the army, christine mormon, and army chief of staff general james mcconnell. Let us recognize the members of congress who work to make this momentous of impossible, including the late senator Johnny Isakson, who should has Great Respect for our veterans. Through his leadership on the Veterans Affairs committee. And congressman sandy bishop, who has long championed the marauders legacy. Former congressman peter king, always a reliable voice for our nations veterans. Finally, thank you to all those joining us online to honor the marauders profound patriotism and unwavering devotion to duty. Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, please stand as you are able for the person station all the colors and the national anthem. Oh say can you say, 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, they bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that star spangled banner yet wave over the land of the free and the home all of the brave. Ladies ladies and gentlemen, please join me as we mark this very special occasion with a moment and prayer. Gracious at merciful lord, you are the giver of life, the daughter of faith, the provider of hope, and the author of love. Monte one, oh ancient of days. You have commanded us to be strong and courageous because you are always with us. We receive your servants most humble prayer, as we gather today to remember, honor, and celebrate a group of men who truly set the example and 1943, our nation, called out, who will go for us . Who can we stand behind japanese lines in burma . 3000 american soldiers responded, here am i, send me. The men of the 53 a seventh composite unit, gala head merrills marauders, and certainly call of hope to embark on a hazardous mission. Lord, i pray your mighty blessings 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 the faithful service to our nations people. Bless our time together today, in your matchless and merciful name. A man. Hello from paris. My name is kevin mortimer. Im delighted to join you today at the ceremony. And ive got my morrow does hat here, which i was given a few years ago and which is a very proud souvenir of the last two years i spent researching and writing the history of the merrills marauders in 2013 and 2014. It was an honor for me, as you can hear from that, an englishman to write about this, the finest of american units whose exploits in world war ii will live forever in history as a testament to the courage, the fortitude, and fellowship of a small band of men who volunteered for a hazardous mission. Wishing to do their bit to free the worlds of tyranny. And i was fortunate enough to interview quite a number of marauder veterans. It was humbling to hear their experience, their operations in parma, fighting against a ferocious enemy in the japanese. But also enduring they debilitating diseases that ravaged the are rotors, and overcoming the environment. I remember hearing tales of climbing the kumanan mountains on the way to i think what struck me most, for me, which really embodied the marauder spirit was the stage at nepal nga. When that resisted waves of japanese attacks. But also they overcame starvation and thirst and disease to emerge triumphant. That for me encapsulated the marauders. And it is why i am so proud to join you today. Im sorry im so far away, but im there in spirit and my thoughts are with you. God bless. Im former congressman pete king from new york. Its a very upset, i want to thank Speaker Nancy Pelosi for giving me this privilege of opportunity to take part and the ceremonial awarding the congressional gold medal too merrills marauders. When i was in the house, along with senator johnny isaacson, this meant a great deal to me. Bob has the nec hit was a constituent of mine, he was a veteran of merrills marauders. He detailed for me all of their accomplishments, their bravery, and they fought how to the jury and to get this legislation through. I cant thank him enough. Sadly, he passed away two 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 think ryan who did the work. Making sure this bill made it to the finish line. Again, thank you to nancy pelosi for having it pass and now signing it into law. Merrills marauders are legendary. What they did was so essential to the pacific campaign. They fought their way through miles of terrain. They took the mission airstrip, which was so essential to the japanese and became central to our winning in that region of the war. They suffered many casualties, with extraordinary suffering. They went through. They were outmanned, outgunned, they engage more than 30 battles and he struggles with the japanese, but they were never outgunned. But their ultimate victory was very essential to the ultimate victory in the entire pacific. So again, they were the greatest generation. They read what it was all about, and im proud to be part of this ceremony, which really forever can write their bravery, their courage, and what it means to be an american. Thank you all, and god plus america. Today we honor some of our most courageous and noble veterans of world war ii, merrills marauders. Ive been a leading supporter of the effort to bestow the congressional gold medal on these to govern so tours, and then we cannot gather in person today, im grateful i have this opportunity to join my colleagues in celebrating their service and valor. As a congressman representing georgias second congressional district, the home of fort painting, im proud to be an original cosponsor of the legislation that order the congressional gold medal too merrills marauders. The legendary 75th Ranger Regiment, known widely as the army rangers, is headquartered at fort banning and traces its lineage to the unit provisional. It continues to wear the merrills marauders patch as it crashed. Also, the military intelligence potent there is named after vincent milo, who passed away in 2015, and was georges last surviving member of the marauders. Those marauders fought and what some refer to as the forgotten china burma in the theater of rope or to. They fought and treacherous jungle warfare conditions 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. The marauders actions were vital to the allied success, and unparalleled in so many ways. It is also important to remember that japanese americans were members of the merrills marauders, serving as intelligence translators. That were crucial to the units success. For their accomplishments in the chin burma in the theater of operations, merrills marauders or awarded the president ial citation. Every member of the unit earned the bronze star middle, an extremely rare distinction among combat outfits. The army also awarded Six Distinguished Service crosses for legions of merits, and 44 silver sort medals to the marauders. 25 merrills marauders have been indicted into the army ranger hala fame. Today, we celebrate merrills marauders service and at one more commendation to their legacy. By bestowing upon them the congressional gold medal. Thank you to our soldiers who served, thank you tour their families who sacrificed and support for crucial during and after the war. And now as we preserve their legacy. Hi, congressman mike waltz here. As a ranger qualified green beret, 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 endured such hardships behind enemy lines in the jungles of burma and southeast asia, often cut off from their supply, and literally conducting Impossible Missions in defense of freedom. I am especially, especially thrilled that we could get this gold medal passed through the house of representatives while we still have survivors of three merrills marauders with us. Look, anything that we cant 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 a world order where the united sates leads in line with its liberal values pens that literally gave all theyre all in defense of freedom. God bless you. I salute you. And rangers late the way. Hello, everyone. Im congressman mark takano, chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. Id 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 the congressional gold medal. The marauders court recognized by the army as the 530th group of Exceptional Individuals and organizations as we present him upon of our nations highest honors. During will pour to, the marauders spent months behind enemy lines in japanese occupied burma. The all volunteer unit, led by Brigadier General frank mayoral, tricked hundreds of miles through perilous jungles while battling disease, hunger, heavy rain, and hostile troops. Through all of this the morrow does remain steadfast on a mission to disrupt japanese communication and supply lines. After a five major battles, and at least 30 minor engagements, the marauders achieve their final objective of capturing burmese major airstrip, clearing the way for allies to open a critical supply route between india and china. More than 4000 individuals volunteer to serve across the units three battalions. And by the end of the conflict, around 200 members remained. These extraordinary volunteers stepped up and served valiantly when their country neither them. Their courage and resolve and sacrifices of all 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 the congressional gold medal today. Two of the veterans and their families with us today, thank you. We it is an honor and a privilege for me to be able to speak to the man of the united sates armys 53 assailant composite unit. Merrills marauders. I am proud that we will today bestow upon them one of the nations highest honors. For nearly three months, in 1943, the marauders untapped one of the most Daring Missions of bob or to. Under constant fire from a fast larger japanese force, and play good but monsoons, diseases, scorching heat, and venomous threats, the marauders battled for nearly 1000 miles through the burmese jungle, eventually winning back the critical era failed at. All of the 3000 americans who originally set off on the campaign, only 200 ultimately remained standing to seize and hold the airfield. There is was both a remarkable and courageous faith. The marauders ferocious tenacity and unimaginable conditions they endured have might in one of the most pronounced units of world war ii throughout my time in the army. My fellow soldiers and i often looked to be marauders as the epitome of bravery and inspiration and trying times. Since the american revolution, the congressional gold medal has represented the nations highest expression of appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Although todays middle 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 parma, and who have passed in the years since. We owe him a debt that cannot be repaid. And todays ceremony acknowledges that, indeed, freedom is not free. The congressional gold medal, weve ordered today to the man of the merrills marauders, commemorates their service and sacrifice with their example. We are reminded how we might take up their Unfinished Mission to strive with courage and absolute commitment to serve the nation in order to create a more perfect union. Hello, im colonel jim accuracy and i have the dissent privilege of serving as 22nd commander of the renter in. Our unit derives part of it heraldry and legacy from merrills marauders. We appreciate the opportunity to participate and honoring merrills marauders with a congressional gold medal. Modernday army rangers look to the marauders as an example to follow. That were in all the, longrange, special Operations Unit trucks with seizing key terrain and conditions others shut right from. Like them, the modernday ranger is a light but lethal force of volunteers focused on strategic rights and capable of operating against unexpected adversaries. Merrills marauders had six combat teams. They were coded red, what, blue, khaki, green, and orange. Today, these colors can be found on the floors of every temporary or by a u. S. Ranger. Eric crist despite the, starts on, and wanting boat captured behind enemy lines deep strike character of the world war ii murders. You can find this crests but our uniforms and throughout africa ladies. We renders off the date salute the marauders of world war ii. Your legacy is impossible to forget, and you inspire us and the memory of your fellow marauders. The marauders move faster, further, and we salute you today. The legacy of the merrills marauders and korea, vietnam, grenada, panama, somalia, and throughout the war on terrorism. That legacy will 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 member of congress, general and colonel today to recognize the heroic achievements of merrills marauders. Represented at the state virtual ceremony by the proud family members and three living legends. Master sergeant gilliland, mr. Russell hamler, and missed a gate kane. Id like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of mr. Raleigh nay and former Staff Sergeant bob has an easy, who served as the historian 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 irma. We stand in all of the legacy that leave with us. The courage and courage of the 3000 man who entered president roosevelt call to joint thunderous and hazardous mission is a testament to true service and fellow. Led by brigadier frank merrill, these little travel to a part of the world in which they had never been off to carry out an argue mission on behalf of flak and country, in support of freedom and democracy. It is facing that merrills marauders are recognized and honored with the congressional gold medal, and we are grateful to everybody who medicine are possible. To the soviet members of merrills marauders, your achievement shines brightly as an example for todays 75th rage regiment and all of the soldiers of the United States army to follow. Your bravery and Outstanding Service and the jungles of burma speaks for itself, and the ultimate sacrifice of the soldiers of the 53s event composite unit provisional will not be forgotten. 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 in the best of our nation. They answered the call for the most Dangerous Missions and they face the most brutal conditions in the jungles of burma. They endured fast 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 murals marauders. Theyre extraordinary stories of determination and heroism inspire our generations of soldiers today and will for many more generations to come. We strive every day to live up to legacy. They have left us. Thank you so much. By the old moment pagoda looking east werent to the sea. Theres a burma bride a set and i know to me. Cuz the wind is in the palm tree and the temple bells they say im you back where it is soldier. Im you back through mandalay. Im you back. Amanda lee im you back mandelier where the old o till the lake at you hear those paddles chunking across the bay. Give me somewhere east of suez where the where best is like the worst. Well and there aint no Ten Commandments and a cat can really serve. Why on the road to mandalay 80 years ago, at the height of world war two, 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 became 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 a meal. They marched almost 1000 miles, further than any other fighting force in world war ii. When they werent marching they were 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. If their mission sounds impossible to you, it was. Even army leaders did not expect them to survive. Sam wilson, who fought in burma, and later help the army start delta force, said 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 to. They adapted, they endured, and they never ever quit. Why . Did they fight for fame, for glory, or even for the honor we bestow on them today . No. They fought to protect their home, and to preserve our way of life. Our nation is fortunate to have men like merrills marauders, heroes willing to accept any risk when america is threatened. They embody what is really meaning to be an american. As we honor these men and honor their great deeds today, lets remember that the freedom we enjoys special, and that is why we must defend it. Thank you. The call went out for volunteers. The mission would be deep behind enemy lines. Those who answered were a motley crue. They were told as many as 90 might not make it back. Their commander would be a man who had never seen combat. Sounds like a story that could only exist on the silver screen. But over six long months this was real life for nearly 3000 american soldiers sent on a longrange mission to destroy japanese supply lines. They came from all 50 states. Some were green. Others were seasoned vets. A few straight out of military prison to join the mysterious ad hoc outfit. The march into history books was paved with epic hardships, for every outnumbered battle with the japanese for mora came down with disease. By the time general frank meryl and his marauders reached their final objective of the avenues territory, all but two members of the unit had been hospitalized for wounds or diseased. The general himself suffered a heart attack upon arrival. But the marauders secured an important foothold that would help turn the tide of the war as quickly as the unit have been created. It was quietly pulled 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 in todays 75th Ranger Regiment is especially proud to trace its lineage back to the marauders. So, to the literal trail blazers with us today, we are so plowed to salute merrills marauders and confer this on. Our high. It senator shocked schumer. Its my honor to join Speaker Pelosi, my colleagues, and all of you as we present the congressional gold medal 70 times 79 years ago, 3000 brave americans one of the most dangerous undertakings of a second world war. The first and highest now penetrating the jungles of burma march thousands of miles east into enemy territory. They were often outnumbered and outgunned. They were not overmatched. All of these years later they remained every bit inspired, every bit grateful, for every bit. Humbled by the example of these brave americans. They put the good of their company and their fellow citizens above their own safety, and in doing so helped us lead the world today freedom and democracy are once again in danger around the world, and we look for the sacrifices of those who came before us for strength, inspiration, and wisdom. So finally, as we say thank you, the grateful nation pledges to never forget what the marauders did for our country and will always remember those who never made it back home. I wish we could observe this moment together in person, but wherever you are maybe, i offer you and all your family might greatest measure of thanks. Merrills marauders stand among the great history heroes of our history. 80 years later americans remain in awe of the courage, value valor, and patriotism, willing to go where others werent willing to bear. When our nation was attacked at pearl harbor they sailed across the grill globe, taking the fight against fascism deep identity lines, at the steep foothills on into the dance burmese jungle. They braved nearly 1000 miles of some of the worlds harshest terrain. Often outnumbered, these heroes never wavered, as they wage the righteous battle for liberty in america and in the world. Their extraordinary success helped turn the tide in the Pacific Theater and propel the allies 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, in its place in the smithsonian remind future generations of the marauders fight for feet freedom and democracy. Now we have the president appearing from five courageous marauders, russell handler, gilbert highland, gabriel kinney, we crazy thousand volunteers, were going to take these people, were actually volunteers to go on this mission that maybe 1000 miles through the himalayas, those jungles of burma, with just back on is back and a pack buell. Thats how they got their equipment in. Now white while moving through these jungles and cutting away through their, they faced enemy combatants, starvation, and malaria. What sets these men apart is that during that time the actually would throw grenades into water in order to have fish rise to the service so they could catch them in their helmets and stave off starvation. When they they had cut out parts of the jungle to get casualties out. These men didnt have artillery. They didnt have tanks. They did everything on foot with what they had. Talking with missile mr. Russell hamler, he was injured in combat, but continue to fight for ten more days to keep the enemy away. Now thats merrills marauders. Thats the men that went forward to establish that footprint behind enemy lines, disrupt the japanese supply lines so that america can go ahead and establish a footprint in burma. For mr. Hamler, and i want you to know, this theres four remaining merrills marauders alive. And they won them. 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, and how we should control ourselves. You lay down the foundation. You lay down the foundation that has been necessary for us to build off of and make ourselves what we are today. Its a great honor being here to give this on behalf of the army rangers association. So on behalf of them, on behalf of the United States, the u. S. Army, the Airborne Ranger training brigade and the battalion, mr. Russell hamler, we want to recognize you with his congressional gold medal. Thank you. [applause] in world war ii we had some of the greatest people. All along. The United States, we had some of the greatest and the nicest people in the world. And were, and were always ready to help gosh, i remember when the ill tell you something, a little story. I was 17 and a half, and me and my mother, we was in the kitchen. And the radio was on. And there was news broadcast came over where they found the factory in germany and and she said thats my uncles factory. Because thats where she was from, germany. All the americans they were ready to go and ready to fight. My thing is that i would like to see them outlaw wars. Ive said it and im always sitting and talking to myself. [laughter] and i would like to see them outlaw wars where they would, like we have senators and congressman, where they have a group of people that would handle problems like United States all through mexico wed have a problem and so this group would get together and iron it out inwards instead of wars. Because now i listen to that latest thing over there where the russians are killing little kids. Its so awful. People dont, people who hasnt been around killings does dont realize how hard because its not even nice to be shown that let alone shoot somebody else. And i would like to see a peaceful world. [applause] and i live in a Peaceful Place [laughter] i was [crying] [inaudible] everybody get along anyway they all get along. [applause] in late 1943, when president ial call for Army Volunteers conduct dangerous and hazardous mission, somewhere in the world sees an infantry man and listed soldiers alike volunteered for this mission and gave dave kinney was one who answered the call. Equipped only with where they could carry on their backs and pack bills, 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 cz northern burmese mikey airstrip, which they did, and accomplished, 17th, 1944. No other American Fighting force has birch this far, no other fighting force has fought so continuously for his play 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 dave kinney, can you join me to accept the congressional gold medal on behalf of all merrills marauders . [applause] please accept this medal on behalf of all merrills marauders, thanks for their service to our nation. You and merrills marauders are truly national treasures, and its my honor to present this medal to you. I was in the marauders unit. For the unit to have received this metal is something i am particularly proud of for the unit. For all those members the return to the states as i did, most have passed away and never seen or heard of this metal. I hope that the family and could be as pleased with and proud of this decoration of our unit as i and my family are proud of it. Theres one other group that we all want to be proud of, and that is a young man that was left in burma who did not get to return. So let us remember those. Thank you, sir. Thank, you good afternoon everybody. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of todays momentous occasion. Id like to also briefly thank my ranger so ca shun, the Airborne Ranger training brigade for the experience in the honor of awarding a true hero. Also, a huge thank you for coordinating this presentation. Was born in 1922 into patriotic midwestern family with a strong unshakable belief and morals and values. He followed his brother didnt follow the nations call to keep the enemies of america at bay. He volunteered for dangerous and hazardous vision. If you are expected to survive. Raleigh during the composite unit 50 307 provincial and was with red conduct team with First Battalion. This elite union conduct a deep longrange penetrations behind enemy lines, often engaging Japanese Forces superior number. 24 february 1944, they began a 1000 mile foot march into the burmese jungle. Were usually outnumbered by Japanese Forces, they always have to greater casualties than they sustained. He and his fellow rogers violence of action to find success in the burma theater. Theyre Living Conditions were unimaginable, and comparable to take standards. And intestinal fortitude and allow them to complete their mission. The 50 307 was disbanded in august of 1904 but their lineage to let directly inspired formation of todays elite special operation. The military organization in the work in the words of sir isaac newton, if i couldve seen further, its because i stood on the shoulders of giants. The merrills marauders laid the foundation for first and future army rangers. They set an example for predecessor to follow. I can tell you how lucky it honored i am to stand in his presence. Here today in recognizing his service to the nation. Behind every man great man is a woman that supports them. Raleigh for 74 years live with his wife betty. Benny was devoted to raleigh. Even until recently visiting him daily at a nursing home. During the covid lockdown. Betty would continue to conduct your daily visits and sit outside his window reading letters and notes. Betty passed last july. I know she still here with us today. Its press proud as she has been as ever of her lifelong of. Without further ado, and we have the raging community, the army in United States of america i would like to formally present mr. Raleigh the congressional gold medal. You are dry and my man. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice to this great nation. It is an honor to meet a true life hero. Thank you very much. [applause] a tremendous honor to be here today to award the congressional gold medal to Staff Sergeant robert e. Pass an easy for his service and his 53rd a second merrills marauders because of the courage and bravery of men like bob. Enlisted 17 years old, and then when he was volunteered for the marauder mission is the only person in his company. A true selfless servant. He was with First Battalion from the beginning in the train up in india and then with his fellow model marauders he experienced the most physically rigorous continuous combat ever seen in the United States army. Despite severe illness and several combat wounds, he fought to stay on the battlefield with his other soldiers. As the battle of which somewhat argue is the marquise baber battle of the marauders he was on the frontlines maintaining communication for the seizure of the airfield in july of 1944. And his service to the others and stop there. He has been heralding the exploits of his comrades for many years and he has been the historian in both the spokesman for the association during that time. In 2016 he was inducted into the ranger hall of fame as a dedication for his Selfless Service to the range of community. So bob is my distinct honor on behalf of the congress to present you with the congressional gold medal for your service with the merrills marauders and to your nation. So thank you sir. A words are not sufficient to show my gratitude for accepting the congressional gold medal, the higher highest award given by congress, recognizing Outstanding Achievement that has had an impact on history. It is a story fact that there are what five marauders arrived after 3000 who truly are in this metal. We had no idea where we were volunteering for. We didnt know where we were going. Or when we would return or what was expected of us. Only doing what our president asked us to. What i want to thank congressman peter king, who whos who introduced the merrills marauders gold medal act, along with Johnny Isakson who sponsored the act and continues to work on getting sponsors, and volunteer scott stone was, who used the auspices of his office to expedite the award. And , attorney of the law firm, who fought to gain recognition and support for the regiment. Of course there are many others this legislation would not have been successful. Thank you to the 75th Ranger Regiment and their undying support, keeping the spirit of merrills marauders alive. Rangers, lead the way. Now joey located at camp we are here today to honor gilbert h. Howland, a true legend and i want to say first and foremost i am honored and humbled to present the marauders congressional gold medal today. Words cannot express the debt can be paid, the cost we cannot comprehend, the thank you that falls short, but on our we must strive, and thats mr. Howland, i want to wish you a happy birthday. Mr. Howland turns 99 today. He did combat badge. Hes a veteran world war ii, the korean war, and vietnam, where he served to combat tours. Gilbert howland is a highly decorated veteran. Hes a fourtime ronstadt recipient, a purple heart recipient, and is in the Army Ranger Hall of pain. However, today, to recognize his contributions to the infamous 50 307 composite unit, a top secret operation john war unit that occupied enemy lines in japanese held burma, refer referred to as merrills marauders. Thats our gilbert howland, volunteered for the secret mission with the understanding that many would not survive. He volunteered because he felt it was his duty. Howland was assigned to the green combat team. He was in charge of 28 man machine nine teams. The marauders went on over miles into japanese held territory in just under five months by foot. Their mission was a great success, five major engagements and 30 minor engagements, defeating the veteran soldiers of the japanese 18th division by disrupting enemies communication lines unending with the capture of myitkyina airfield in northern burma. Gilbert howland is one of the five remaining merrills marauders living today. On behalf of grateful nation and the ranger battalion, howland, i am honored to present the congressional gold medal to you today. [applause] i want to thank congress for awarding merrills marauders such a Precious School metal. We spent four months fighting behind enemy lines to name it able to defeat the Japanese Division the jungles in the mountains of burma. Our casualties were high. I accept this medal on behalf of every marauder who was in bermuda in 1944. They should never forget duty honor and country. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, as we leave the ceremony today asked you join me in a blessing and a prayer. Thank you, mighty father, for each of these men. They served our nations dedicated soldiers who helped lay the mighty foundation of freedom upon which we stand today. They are Selfless Service rendered through to a grateful nation honors our call for us to love one another. You impede these men with courage, character, and commitment, to live the values since codified in the ranger creed. They moved further than any 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 and the leaders you blessed to form these men into a cohesive team, trained, discipline, and fit to win on the battlefield. Bless these men, their families, and our nation. Keep the lamp of liberty shining for us brightly 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 merrills marauders them selves, and what a privilege to pay tribute to those who fought so that freedom may wring out across the world. Nearly eight decades after merrills marauders completed their mission, each of us continues to reap the feuds of their valor. As we celebrate the marauders heroism, thats we commit to supporting those who carry on their legacy today. The survival of our democracy weighs on the shoulders of our Service Members and their families, and the nation owes them a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice in defense of liberty. So just as our military leave 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. Its my pleasure to introduce the United States army band for a performance of the army song. Thank you. Wow its the army of the free, of the brave, of the true who have march to Victory Congress or transform its summary says in september with the sy floor schedule ahead. Both house senate are expect ttake up federal spending bills, g the government through next year to prevent a government shutdow current government funding expires on septeer0th. Lawmakers are also facing end of th month deadlines to reauthorize faa and pandemic preparedness programs. The sena wl continue to work on more of president bidens judicial and economic nominations, including for the fedel reserve. Covers the house on cspan, centered on cspan, two a a reminder that you can watch all of our congressional coverage with our free video app, cspan now, or online at cspan dot org. Weekends on cspan two are an intellectual feast. Every saturday american histor