Chuck Schumer: “Senator Clinton and I rise today to recognize and honor the service of Benjamin Vinci of Port Chester, New York--a true…”

“Senator Clinton and I rise today to recognize and honor the service of Benjamin Vinci of Port Chester, New York--a true American hero. In 1941, at the age of 21, Benjamin Vinci left home to serve in the U.S. Army, and by December of that year, was stationed in Hawaii with the 97th Army Coast Artillery Guard. Like so many there on the morning of December 7, 1941, Benjamin Vinci was going about his daily business. He had just completed all night guard duty and was eating breakfast when the whole base erupted in smoke and fire as Japanese war plans attacked Pearl Harbor and the surrounding area. As bombers strafed the mess tent, a 50-caliber bullet hit Private Vinci in the back. But ignoring his wound, Benjamin Vinci reached an anti-aircraft emplacement and began to fight back. He stepped down only when he was ordered to find an ambulance and tend to his wound. Along the way, instead of seeking cover, Benjamin Vinci ran down to the beach and rescued a man who had been shot through the legs. Helping the other soldier into a motorboat, he navigated through a hail of bombs and ammunition to the other side of the bay where he finally boarded an ambulance. But on the way to the hospital at Hickham field, planes targeted the ambulance and Benjamin Vinci was wounded again-- this time a 50-caliber bullet coming to rest near his heart.”