Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor the impressive record of one of my constituents, Mr. Stephen Cole, for his service to our Nation. During the Vietnam war, Sergeant Cole was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division as part of a small patrol reconnaissance and ambush unit operating in Vietnam's Central Highlands near the Cambodian border and the La Drang Valley. While in Vietnam during a routine reconnaissance patrol, Sergeant Cole suffered wounds during a firefight when he was impaled by a punji stick after stepping into a boobytrap. Had he moved a millimeter to the right or left, he likely would have lost his life. He was subsequently evacuated to the field hospital in An Khe for medical treatment. For his service there and his heroism, Sergeant Cole was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic achievement, heroic service, and meritorious actions, in addition to the Purple Heart for the wounds he received in action on July 14, 1970. Sergeant Cole received numerous other awards for his service, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star attachments, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon. Madam Speaker, all these awards speak to the true grit and service of Mr. Cole. I had the honor to present him and his family with these awards myself.…”