On the recordMarch 3, 2010
I rise in commemoration of the life of John Patrick Murtha. John Murtha gave nearly six decades to the country he loved. At the age of 20, he left college to join the Marines. As soon as he arrived, the Marines knew they had a gem of a young man on their hands. Routed to Officer Candidate School, he became a leader of his peers, earning the American Spirit Honor Medal during training. Although his duty to the Marines ended in 1955, his desire to serve did not. He remained in the Reserves for the next decade, and then volunteered for service in Vietnam. There, he cemented his reputation as an American hero, earning the Bronze Star, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and two Purple Hearts. John's service in the Reserves lasted long into his political career. He didn't retire until 1990, at which time he was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. But when he returned from Vietnam, he decided that serving the people of the State of Pennsylvania was another way to give back to his country.
