Peter Visclosky: “I do rise to urge my colleagues to support this legislation to rename a post office in East Chicago, Indiana in honor of…”

“I do rise to urge my colleagues to support this legislation to rename a post office in East Chicago, Indiana in honor of Lance Corporal Harold Gomez. Corporal Gomez was the first resident of East Chicago to die during the Vietnam War and his community would like to honor him in this special way. Corporal Gomez was born in East Chicago in 1946. After working briefly at Inland Steel Company, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was sent to Vietnam in 1966. Corporal Gomez quickly became a fire team leader in a rifle company of the Third Marine Corps in Vietnam. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously for valiant leadership and bravery during his service, earning particular praise for his actions during the February 21, 1967 battle in which he died. Corporal Gomez's military awards also include the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Rifle Sharpshooters Badge.”