Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the most decorated ships of the United States, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham. For 52 years, the Ingham protected our shoreline. Entering service in 1935, the Ingham delivered critical assistance to the United States in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The Ingham protected Allied ships that were ferrying supplies to Great Britain during the Second World War. With the American flag flying high on her mast, the Ingham battled stormy weather, dodged German U-boats, sank an enemy submarine, and eluded enemy aircraft. The Ingham also served in the Pacific, acting as the amphibious flagship for four of the Philippine Islands invasions. It was from aboard the Ingham that General MacArthur planned and oversaw the critical capture of Corregidor. More recently and closer to home, in 1980 over 125,000 Cubans fled north from the oppressive Castro dictatorship in battered rafts and stormy weather. The Ingham was instrumental in rescuing many refugees adrift in these makeshift rafts and bringing seven refugee vessels to safety, saving 122 lives. She is the only ship in our history to receive two Presidential citations and has been awarded an astounding 14 Battle Stars and 19 ribbons. The Ingham and the many crew members who have served both on and below her decks are a testament to our great Nation. A total of 912 casualties are honored on a memorial plaque on her quarterdeck.…”