Vern Buchanan: “I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois and the gentlelady from Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Private…”

“I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois and the gentlelady from Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Private First Class Hector Albert Cafferata, Jr., of the United States Marine Corps. Private Cafferata was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in action in Korea on November 28, 1950, while serving with the famed 1st Marine Division. As the only unwounded member of his squad, he singlehandedly engaged the enemy while under heavy fire from machine guns, mortars and grenades. For over 7 hours, he was able to successfully fend off wave after wave of enemy attacks until reinforcements could arrive. However, as reinforcements moved in, an enemy grenade landed in his trench. The private immediately grabbed the grenade and threw it from the trench before it detonated. Though wounded by the blast, he saved the lives of many of his men serving with him that day. It is for his supreme bravery and courageousness in carrying out his duties that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Private First Class Hector Albert Cafferata, Jr.”