Ed Royce: “Forty-five years ago, after the signing of the 1973 Paris Peace Accords, 556 American military personnel and twenty-five…”

“Forty-five years ago, after the signing of the 1973 Paris Peace Accords, 556 American military personnel and twenty-five civilians boarded American C-141s and finally ended their long, extremely trying captivity in Vietnam. For most Americans, Operation Homecoming marked the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam conflict. However, the heroes that survived torture and mistreatment within Vietnamese prison camps, such as the infamous ``Hanoi Hilton,'' know that the job is not finished. One of our most sacred vows to members of our Armed Services is that no American soldier will be left behind on the field of battle. None understand this better than the gentleman from Texas, Congressman Sam Johnson--fighter pilot, prisoner of war, and American hero. Colonel Sam Johnson's 29 years in the Air Force was marked with valor and selfless service. A combat veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, he was twice awarded the Silver Star, our nation's third highest award for gallantry in action, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for valor and heroism in aerial flight, in his more than eighty career combat missions. Since regaining his freedom 45 years ago, Congressman Johnson has remained a staunch advocate for veterans and their families, as attested by being awarded the National Patriot award, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's highest civilian accolade, for his tireless work to help improve livelihoods and to provide closure for families of missing U.S.…”