On the recordDecember 2, 2010
First, let me apologize to this august body for putting you in this very awkward position today. To the Ethics Committee, I do recognize that it is not a job that many of us would want to have. Last week, as we were reading about the North Koreans attacking the South Koreans, I was haunted by the fact that, on November 30, 60 years ago, I was in Korea as a young, 20-year-old volunteer in the 2nd Infantry Division. On that occasion, in subzero weather--20 degrees below zero--the Chinese surrounded us and attacked, and there were hundreds of casualties wounded and killed and captured. Bugles blared and screams were heard. I was wounded and had no thoughts that I would be able to survive. But God gave me the strength, not only to survive, although wounded, but to find my way out of the entrapment, and for 3 days, I had the strength to lead 40 of my comrades out of that situation. We all were haunted by the fact that so many of my comrades did not survive it. I tell you that story, not for sympathy, but to let you know that, at that time, in every sense, I made up my mind that I could never complain to God for any events that occurred in my life and that I would dedicate my life to trying, in some meaningful way, to improve the quality of life for all Americans as well as do as much as I could for humankind. It is for that reason that I stand to say that I have made serious mistakes. I do believe rules are made to be enforced.
