Frank Lautenberg: “I want to talk for a little while about a matter that has come up regarding one of my distinguished colleagues who, like…”

“I want to talk for a little while about a matter that has come up regarding one of my distinguished colleagues who, like me, served in Europe during World War II, who was a very brave and proud soldier, and who was decorated for his service there. That is Senator Hollings. Senator Hollings has served for some years in this body as a junior Senator, even when he was well into 70 years of age. That was one of the more unusual circumstances, although I think I, too, bring a junior status at a fairly advanced age to my being here as a freshman. But in the delegation that is going to go to Normandy tonight, I am one of several who served in World War II. The other names are among the bravest of all: Senator Daniel Inouye, who lost his arm in Italy after being struck three times by enemy fire. And, as he described it to me, in one of those incidents he had not felt any part of the wound from the bullet which apparently passed through his body--a rifle shot through his body, or a machine gun shot through his body. He was knocked down. He got up to continue to lead his platoon into a murderous battle in Italy. Although it took some 50 years for Senator Daniel Inouye to get his medal, it finally arrived. Those of us who were privileged to be here were so proud of Senator Inouye's service as the medal was bestowed on him for the service he so bravely gave to his country.”