It is my privilege to welcome you all to this celebration of all inspiring courage and resilience today we gather virtually to bestow congresss highest honor the congressional gold medal on nearly 3,000 american heroes, meryl marauders. Let us salute the family and friends who have continued to tell the story of these brave warriors and educated for the recognition they deserve thank you to the Us Army Leaders joining us today including secretary of the Army Christine mormon and army chief of staff general james mcconville. 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 respe and congressman sandy. Bishop has long champion the marauders legacy and former congressman peter king always a reliable voice for our nations veterans. Finally, thank you to all those joining us online to honor the y ladies and gentlemen at this time planned as you please stand as you are able for the presentation of the colors and the national anthem. Oh lord. But okay. Try come present. Oh. Say, can you see by the dawns early light what so proudly we held at the twilights last gleaming. Whos brought some rights and bright stars through the par . Adise fight or the ramparts. Weand the rockets were the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh say does that starspangled banner yet . And the home of the oh. Shoulder talk to much. Gentlemen, please join me as we mark this very special occasion in a word of prayer. Gracious and merciful lord you are the giver of life the igniter of faith the provider of hope and the author of love. Mighty one. Oh ancient of days you have commanded us to be strong and courageous because you are always with us. Receive your servants most humble prayer as we gather today to remember honor and celebrate a group of men who truly set the example for others to follow. Led out who will go for us. Who can we send behind the japanese lines in burma . 3,000 american soldiers responded here are my send me. The men ofunit galahad meryl mas answered the president ial call to embark on a dangerous and hazardous mission. Lord i pray your mighty blessing on those merrills marauders 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. My name is gavin mortimer. Im delighted to don news today at the ceremony, and im got my marauders hat here, which i was given a few years ago. And which is a very proud souvenir of the two years. I spent researching and writing. The history of the more orders in 2013 and 2014 and it was an honor for me. As you can hear from that an englishman to right about this. Exploits in World War Two will live forever in history as a testament to that the courage the fortitude and the fellowship or that small band of of men who volunteered for what it was but wishing to do in that in the pilots of the time their bits. Free the world of tyranny and i was fortunate enough to interview quite a number of marauda veterans and it was humbling to hear their experiences of operations in burma fighting against a ferocious enemy in the japanese, but also enduring debilitating a diseases thats ravaged the marauders and overcoming the environment to i remember. A hearing tells of climbing the kumon mountains on the way to mention our i mean, of course the differential of michener. I think what struck me most perhaps on what for me really embodies the marauder spirit the indomitability or the marauders was this age at naponga. And when they resisted ways of japanese attacks, but they also overcame starvation and and first in disease to emerge triumphant and that for me encapsulates the marauders and its why im so proud to 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 p king from new york and at the very outset i want to thank speaking nancy pelosi for giving me this privilege of opportunity to take part in the proud to cosponsors legislation when i was in the house along with senator johnnye who was a considerate of mine from lindenhurst. He was a veteran of melrose marauders. He detail for me all of their confidence accomplishments or their bravery and the fort hard to the very end to get this legislation through and i cant thank him enough. Sadly. He passed away weeks ago at the age of 99, but his spirit is with us today and this legacy will continue through this congressional gold medal. I want to thank Ryan Woodward of my staff who did yeoman work and again making sure this bill made it tnd nancy pelosi for having a pass and now trying to get in into law melrose marauders legendary what they did in the burma china theater was so essential to the pacific campaign. They fought their way through miles of terrain. They took the mission why airstrip which was so essential to the japanese and then became a central to ours winning in that region of the war. They suffered many casualties was extraordinary more than 30 battles and struggles with the e victory was very essential to the ultimate victory in the entire pacific. So again, they they were the greatest generation. They were what it was all about and im proud to be part this ceremony which really forever commemorating the bravery their courage what it means to be an american. So thank you you all and god bless america. Today noble veterans of World War Two merrills marauders. Ive been a leading supporter of the on these deserving soldiers and though we cannot gather in person today. Im 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. Im proud to be an original cosponsor of the legislation that awarded the congressional gold medal to merrills moratas. The legendary 75th Ranger Regiment known widely as the army rangers is headquartered at fort benning and traces its lineage toit continues to wear e merrells morado patch as its crest. Also, the military intelligence building there is named after vincent. Malillo who passed away in 2015 and was georgias last surviving member of the maratos. Those moratas fought in what some referred to as the forgotten china burma india theater of World War Two . They fought in treacherous jungle warfare conditions and behind enemy lines. Often without the resources or support than one occasion the unit overcame superior numbers and arms to win the day. The moratos 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 meryl moraders serving as intelligence translators. They were crucial to the units success. For their accomplishments and the china burma india theater of operations. Melrose moratos were awarded the president ial unit citation. The unit earned the bronze star medal and extremely rare distinction among combat outfits. The army also awarded Six Distinguished Service crosses four legions of merit and 44 silver star medals to the marauders. 25 minerals moratas have been inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of fame. Today we celebrate merrills moratos service and add one more commendation to their legacy. By bestowing upon them the congressional gold medal. Thank you to our soldiers who served thank you to their families who sacrifice and support were crucial during and after the war. And now as we preserve their legacy. As a 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 te jungles of burma and Southeast Asia often cut off from their supplies and literally conducting Impossible Missions in defensive freedom. I am especially especially thrilled that we could get this gold medal past through the house of representatives while we 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 Two for a world order where the United States values and and that literally gave their all in defense of freedom. God bless you. I salute you and rangers lead the way. Hello everyone. Im congressman mark tucano chairman of the House Committee on veterans affairs. Id like to extend my thanks me to speak today as we come together to honor the bravery and sacrifice of meryls marauders with the congressional gold medal. The marauders officially recognized by the army as the 5307th composite unit join a group of Exceptional Individuals and organizations as we present them with one of our nations highest honors. During World War Two the marauders spent months behind enemy lines in japanese occupied burma. The all volunteer unit led by Brigadier GeneralFrank Merrill trekked hundreds of miles through perilous jungles and mountains while battling disease hunger heavy rains and hostist n their mission to disrupt japanese communic. And supply lines after five major battles and at least 30 minor engagements the marauders achieved their final objective of capturing burmas major airstrip clearing the way for allies to open a critical supply route between india and china. More than 3,000 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 needed them. Their courage and resolve and the sacrifices of all those lost is deserving of our highest honor and deepest gratitude. Of veterans and advocates congress. Has the honor of presenting the marauders with the 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. A privilege for me to be able to speak to the men of United States armies 5307th composite unit. Meryls morales 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 Two. Under constant fire from a vastly larger Japanese Force and played by monsoons diseases the marauders battle for nearly 1,000 miles through the burmese jungle eventually winning back the critical airfield at my kind of of the 3,000 americans who originally set off on the campaign. Only 200 ultimately remains standing to seize and hold the airfield. Theirs was both a remarkable and a courageous feat. The marauders ferocious tenacity and the unimaginable conditions. They endured have made them one of the most renowned units of World War Two. Throughout my time in the army my fellow soldiers and i often love to the moratas as the epitome 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 achievements 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 burner and who have passed in the years 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 morels 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. If it if here know you know. Hello, im colonel jd kersey and i have the distinct privilege of serving as 22nd commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Our unit derives part of its heraldry and legacy from merrells marauders. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in honoring merrills marauders with the congressional gold medal. Modern day army rangers look to the marauders as example to follow. They were an all volunteer long range special Operations Unit charged with seizing key terrain and conditions other shied away from like them the modern day ranger is a light but lethal force of volunteers focused on strategic raids and capable of operating in places unexpected by adversaries. Merrells marauders were comprised of six combat teams. They coded these teams read white blue khaki green and orange today. Those six colors can be found on the flashes of every tamberay worn by a us army ranger. Are unicrest displays the star sun and lightning bolt capturing the behind enemy lines deep strike character of the world war tomer riders. You can find this crest displayed on our uniforms and throughout our facilities. We rangers it today salute the marauders of world war 2. Your legacy is impossible to forget. You inspire us and the memory of your fellow marauders does not go for god. The marauders move further faster and fought harder and we strive to do the same. The legacy of the mail marauders encouraged rangers in korea vietnam, grenada, panama somalia and throughout the war on terrorism. That legacy will undoubtly continue to inspire americans young and old for decades to come. Thank you. Good afternoon. Its my distinct honor to join Speaker Pelosi distinguished members of Congress General mcconville, and colonel kirsey today to recognize the heroic achievements of meryl marauders represented at todays virtual ceremony by proud family members and three Living LegendsMaster Sergeant gilhowland, mr. Russell hamler and mr. Gabe kinney. Id like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of mr. Raleighs and former Staff Sergeant bob hasanese who served as the historian for the marauders who both passed away this april. Were 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 leave with us. The courage and grit of the 3,000 men who answered president roosevelts call to join the dangerous and hazardous mission is a testament to true service and valor. Led by Brigadier GeneralFrank Merrill 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 meryls marauders be forever recognized and honored by the congressional gold medal and were grateful to everyone who made this honor possible. To the surviving members of meryls 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 t the five 307th composite unit provisional will not be forgotten. Hello, im general jim mcconville, the 40th chief of staff of the United States army and i am truly honored and proud to recognize the legendary merrells marauders in participate in his congressional gold medal ceremony. On behalf of a grateful 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 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 from raccoon 2 mandalay all the road. Where the fight . This way and the dawn comes up like thunder out of china. Cross the bay you give me somewhere east of suez where the best is like the worst where the rain no Ten Commandments and a cat can raise it. Theres a call in. The old oh, man, but god looking lazy at the sea looking lazy. I dont have to see come back and lay where the old float chilling lane and to hear the battles chunking from raccoons. Crying passing away and the dawn comes up like thunder. 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 3,000 men responded they become known as meryls 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 are pack on mules. They marched almost 1,000 miles further than any other fighting force in World War Two. 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. In their mission sounds impossible to you it was even army leaders did not expect them to survive. A sam wilson who fought in burma and later helped the army 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 . For glory or even for the honor we bestow on them today . No. They fought to protect their home and preserve our way of life. Our nation is fortunate to have men like meryls marauders. Heroes who are willing to accept any risk when america is threatened they embody what is 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 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 a real life for nearly 3,000 american soldiers sent on a Long Range Mission to destroy japanese supply lines in the jungles of burma. That came from all 50 states and some were green others were seasoned vets a few even came straight out of military prison to join the mysterious ad hoc outfit the march into history books was paved with epic hardship for every casualty they suffered in outnumbered battle with the japanese four more came from disease by the time general frank, maryland his marauders reached their final objective and airfield in the heart of japanese territory. All but two members of the unit had been hospitalized for wounds or disease the general themselves over a heart attack upon arrival. But the marauders had secured an important allied foothold that would help turn the tide of the war then as quickly as the 5307 composite unit had been created. It was quietly folded back into the rust of the army. But the marauders the legacy lives on. There are examples of the bar for generations of americas most elite fighting forces. And todays 75th Ranger Regiment is especially proud to trace its lineage right back to the marauders. So to the literal trailblazers with us today, were so proud to salute meryl marauders. And confer this highest honor. Hi everyone, its senator chuck schumer, and its my honor to join with Speaker Pelosi my colleagues and all of you as we present the congressional gold medal to arrows will marauders. 75 79 years ago 3,000 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 densest jungles of burma. The unit was called named galahad. In marched thousands of miles deep into enemy territory. Theyre often outnumbered and outgunned, but they were not overmatched. All these years later. We remain every bit inspired every bit grateful and forever humbled by the example of these brave americans. They put the good of their country and of their fellow citizens above their own safety. And in doing so helped us 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 grateful nation pledges to never forget what the marauders did for our country and to already we always remember those who never made it back home. I wish we could observe this moment together in person, but wherever you all may be i offer you and all your families my greatest measure of thanks. Meryl marauders stand among the great heroes of our history nearly 80 years later americans remain in all of their courage valor and patriotism willing to go where no others would dare. When our nation was attacked at pearl harbor, they valently stepped forward and sailed across the globe taking the fight against fascism deep behind enemy lines up the steep himalayan foothills and into the dense burmese jungle. They brave nearly 1,000 miles of some of the worlds harshest terrain often outnumbered these heroes never wavered as they waged a righteous battle for liberty in america and in the world, theyre extraordinary hardwoman 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 im honored to present this congressional gold medal to merrell marauders in recognition of their bravery and Outstanding Service made 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 marauder spite for freedom and democracy. Now we have the privilege of hearing from five courageous marauders russell hamler, Gilbert HowlandGabriel Kinney raleigh naze and robert passenisi. They were comprised of 3,000 volunteers. And so this wasnt hey, were gonna were gonna pick these people to go mr. Russell hamler actually volunteered to go on this mission. That and made him in deer 1000 miles walking through the himalayas through the journalism burma was just the pack on his back. And a pack mule thats how they got their equipment in. Now while moving through these jungles and cutting their way through there they faced enemy come and enemy combatants starvation and malaria. Now what says hes been apart, right . Is that during during that time and using out of the box thinking . They actually would throw grenades into water in order to blow up some fish had those fish rise at the surface so they could cook them in their helmets and deal with that starvation. One of the whatever they would receive casualties. They had it cut up parts of the jungle in order to be back those casualties out. These men did of artillery they didnt have tanks with them. They did everything on foot with what they had. Talked with mr. Russell hamler at one point. He was injured in combat. Hey continued to fight holding that foxhole where he was for 10 more days keeping that enemy away. Now thats the minerals marauders, right . Thats thats the men that went forward. To establish that footprint behind enemy lines disrupted the japanese supply lines. So that america could go ahead and establish a footprint and burma. For mr. Handler and i dont know full body. I know this but theres only theres four remaining barrels marauders right now a lot him being one of them. Now so you are the definition . You are the definition of an army ranger and you have said the example. For all army ranges for the military on how we should portray ourselves. Youve laid down the foundation and and honestly you have he has laid down the foundation that has been necessary for us to build off of and make ourselves to what we are today. Um personally it is a great honor being here to give this on behalf of the the army ranger association, so on behalf of them. All right on behalf of the United States the us army the Airborne Ranger train of brigade fifth ranger Training Battalion mr. Russell hamler we want to recognize you with a congressional gold medal. Oh, thank you. This and like in World War Two we had some of the greatest people and all along were United States we have some of the greatest and the nicest people in the world and were theyre always ready to help and like whenever god remember when the worst was broke up. 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 and here the news broadcasts come over where they they bombed the factory in germany. And my mother turned thats my uncles factory thats because thats she was from germany and thats just yeah. But all the americans they were ready to go and ready to fight. Yeah. And now my my thing is that i would like to see them outlaw wars. I i sit at home thinking and talking to myself. What . Seen an outlaw wars where they would have you know like we have really in congressman and where they have a group. Of people that would handle problems like like say the United States and like say mexico wed have a problem, you know, and they so this group would get together and iron it up in words. Instead of boys because now i i listen to that news where this thing over there where the russians are chilling little kids. All right, so awful, too to yes, and people dont people that hasnt been around killings. Dont realize how its not nice. Because its not even nice to be shortly alone. Shoot somebody else. And i would like to see. A Peaceful World okay, were here. And we and i live in a Peaceful Place valentines here. Now we want riches and every everybody got along. Anyway, thats it get along. Have fun. And late 1943 when a president ial call. For Army Volunteers conduct a dangerous and hazardous mission somewhere in the world seasoned infantrymen and newly enlisted soldiers alike volunteered for this mission and gabe kenny 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 Two fighting force almost a thousand miles to complete their mission of seizing northern burmans myakena airstrip, which they did in which they accomplished. May 17th 1944 no other American Fighting force has marched as far. No other American Fighting force is fought so continuously. Or had to display such endurance. As these american heroes now the marauders and recognition of their bravery. Their service and their sacrifice have been approved by congress. To be awarded its highest honor. The congressional gold medal to ranger gabe kinney, will you please join me . To receive the congressional gold medal on behalf. Of all meryls marauders please accept this medal on behalf of all meryl marauders for their service and their sacrifice to our nation. You and our murals marauders are truly National Treasures and is my honor present this metal to you. I was a memorable marauders unit. For that unit to have same received. This metal. Is something i am particularly proud of for the unit and all. For all those other members they return to the states when as i did. The rest of the groove have passed away and never seen a herd of this metal. I hope that theyre descendants. Family and descendants could be as pleased with and proud of the this. Form this declaration of our unit as my as i in my family was proud of it for men. There is one another group that we all want to be proud of that his young man. He was left in birmingham. Did not get to return so let us remember those now and forever. Thats the colonel. Thank you. Alright good afternoon everybody. Thank you for allowing me to come be a part part of todays momentous occasion. Id like to also briefly. Thank the Mountain Rangers Association the Airborne Ranger training brigade for the experience and the honor of awarding a true hero. Also a huge. Thank you to raleigh sun jim for coordinating this presentation. Raleigh nase was born in 1922 into a patriotic midwestern family with strong unshakable beliefs morals and values. Raleigh alongside five of 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 dangerous and hazardous mission fewer expected to survive. Raleigh joined the composite unit 53 07th preventional and was assigned to the Red Combat Team with first battalion. This elite unit of volunteers were charged with conducting deep longrange. Penetration operations behind enemy lines often times engaging Japanese Forces superior number on 24 february 1944 raleigh and the rest of the merrells marauders began a 1,000 mile foot march over the petcount Mountain Range and into the burmese jungle. Well in burma the meryl marauders were usually outnumbered by japanese horses. It always inflicted greater casualties than they than theyve receive. Rolling is fellow marauders. Use their speed surprise and overwhelming violence of action. To find success in the burmese theater though theyre Living Conditions were unimaginable on comparable to todays standards. Their intestinal fortitude and unrelenting courage allowed them to continually fight on to their objective and complete their mission. The 5307th was disbanded in august 1944, but their lineage directly inspired the formation of todays elite special operations 75th Ranger Regiment the world. Air raid force and Infantry Organization in the words of sir isaac newton he said if i have seen further is because i stood on the shoulders of giants. Raleigh nays and the meryl graders laid the foundation for past present future army rangers. These giants set the standard for their present predecessors to follow. I cant tell you how lucky and honored i am to stand in raleighs presence. Here today in recognizes service to the nation. But behind every great man is a woman that supports them. For raleigh and for 74 years. That was his wife betty. Betty was devoted to raleigh. Even up until recently visiting him daily out at the nursing home during the covid lockdowns. Betty would continue to visit conductor daily visits and sit outside his window reading letters. And notes though betty passed last july. I know shes still here with us today. Is proud today as shes always been of her lifelong love . So without further ado on behalf of the ranger community. The army in the United States of america. Id like to formally present mr. Raleigh nas to congressional gold medal. Mr. Naze you are a giant amongst men. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice for this great nation . It is an honor to truly meet one of a real life hero. Thank you very much. All right, so its a tremendous honor to be here today to award the congressional gold medal to Staff Sergeant robert e pastonisi for his service in the 50 third. Oh seventh composite unit provisional merrills marauders for their service during the burman Burmese Campaign in World War Two. So as many know the merrells marauders are the precursors to the 75th Ranger Regiment and because of the courage and the bravery of men like bob and thats thats scene in his enlistment at 17 years old and then again when he volunteered for the marauder mission at the only person in his 250 person signal company, he is a true selfless servant. He was with 1st battalion from the beginning and in the train up in india, and then with his fellow marauders, he experienced some of the most physically rigorous continuous combat. In the United States army despite some severe illness and several combat wounds. He fought to stay on the battlefield with his soldiers. At the battle of mitchenau, which some would argue is the marquee battle of the marauders. He was on the front lines maintaining communications for the seizure of the airfield in july of 1944 and his service to the marauders didnt stop there. Hes been heralding the the exploits of his comrades for many years and he has been a a historian and both the spokesman for the during that time. In 2016. He was inducted into the ranger hall of fame as a dedication for his Selfless Service to the ranger community. So bob, its my distinct honor on behalf of congress to present you with the congressional gold medal for your service with the murrells marauders and to so, thank you, sir. You know your friends and there are words expressive enough. To erase my gratitude for receiving the congressional code medal. The highest civilian award given by congress recognizing Outstanding Achievement that has had a pact on history. It is a sorry fact that they are only five. There are only five marauders arrive of the 3,000 who truly earned this medal. We had no idea. Where we were volunteering for we didnt know where we were going we would well when we would return oh what was expected of us. Only that our president asked us to seldom do you find such men . I want to thank congressman peter king. Whos introduced the management rogers gold medal art . And along with senator johnny iverson who sponsored the the act and worked. Im getting sponsors. Of our past scott stone who use the resources of his office . To expedite the awards. The least and not the least. To attorney Frederick Evans of the hunt and law firm who fought to gain recognition but for the rest of the station of course, there are many others who pitched in without whose effort this registration would not have been successful. Thank you to the 75th Ranger Regiment and theyre under dying support keeping the spirit of americas life ranges lead the way. All right. Im command start major joey d blackshear on the command start major for fifth render Training Battalion located at camp frank d merrill. We are here today to honor master gilbert h. Helen a true Living Legend and i want to say first and foremost i am honored and humbled to present the marauders congressional gold medal. Today, were gonna express a debt that got me paid. A toss we cannot comprehend. Hey, thank you. Thats all short. But honor we must try. Massart gilbert hallin. I also want to wish you a happy birthday. Master holland turns 99 years old today on 12 april 2022 master and gilbert hallin is a threetime comma instrument badge recipient. Hes a veteran of World War Two the korean war and vietnam where he served two combat tours. Master gilbert hallin is a highly decorated better veteran. Massar holland is a fourtime bronxar recipient a purple heart recipient. And is in the Army Ranger Hall of fame . However, today is to recognize this contributions to the infamous 5307 composite unit provisional a top secret special operations jungle warfare unit that fought behind enemy lines and japanese held burma. The unit is commonly referred to as the merrells marauders master on gerber holland selflessly volunteered for the secret mission with the understanding that many would not survive. He volunteered because he felt it was his duty. Master helen was assigned to the green combat team. At the time Corporal Holland was in charge of two eightman machine gun. The marauders moved over 750 miles and japanese control territory and just under five months five foot. Their mission was a Great Success participating five major engagements and 30 minor engagements defeating the veteran soldiers of the japanese 18th division by disrupting enemy supply and communication lines and inning with the capture admit kina airfield in northern burma. Master holland is one of eight original Meryl Rodgers to receive the award and one of five that remain living today. On behalf of a grateful nation and the fifth ranger Training Battalion master and gilbert hall, and im honored to present the marauders congressional gold medal today. Beautiful i want to thank congress for rewarding murals and riders the concussion gold medal. We spent four months fighting deep behind enemy lines. We were able to read a much larger Japanese Division with our commerce teams and the jungles and the mountains of Northern River our casual casualties were high. I accept this medal on behalf of every veranda who poured in brewer in 1944. We can never forget. That when we wrote burma. I shoot them all duty order country. Ladies and gentlemen as we leave this ceremony today i ask that you join me in a blessing in a prayer. Thank you almighty father for each of these men. 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 love one another. You imbued these men with courage character and commitment to live the values since 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 and the leaders you blessed to form these men into a Cohesive Team trained disciplined and fit to win on the battlefield. Bless these men their families and our nation keep the lamp of liberty shining forth. 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 meryl 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 marilyn monroders completed their mission, each of us continues to reap the fruits of their valor. And as we celebrate the martyr marauders heroism, let us recommit to supporting those who carry on their legacy today the survival of our democracy ways on the shoulders of our Service Members and their families our nation owes them a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice independence of liberty. So just as our military leaves no soldier behind on the battlefield, we must leave no better veteran behind when they come home. Thank you all for joining us today as we conclude as my pleasure to introduce the United States army band for a performance of the army song. Thank you. You are too long sing a song with the army of the free count the brave count the truth. I fought victoria. Were the army and proud of our name. Were the army and proudly place to fight all the right and to build the nations bite the Army Goes Rolling along out of all we have done fighting till the battles one in the Army Goes Rolling along and its high high. Hey the armies on its way out of the greatest loud and strong will always long