Political Quotes

“Madam President, I rise today to honor a heroic Ohio veteran whom we lost this month, CPL Fred B. McGee. Corporal McGee served in Korea, where he and his squad leader were both wounded in the bloody Battle of Hill 528. With his leader down, and despite his own injuries, Corporal McGee took command--he wasn't next in line, but he stepped up, and he saved lives. He was hit again, and his squad was given the order to withdraw. Yet still, with shrapnel in the face and leg, he voluntarily remained behind to evacuate his fellow soldiers who were wounded and killed. His acts of bravery earned Corporal McGee a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. For too long, he did not receive the recognition he earned serving our country. Like so many veterans, Corporal McGee rarely spoke about his service and never drew attention to his own courage. While recalling the battle earlier this year he said, ``No, I'm not brave. I just did what was a necessity.'' And in the 1950s, the color of his skin surely also contributed to the lack of recognition for Corporal McGee's heroism. He was drafted in 1951 into a newly integrating Army and was one of the first African- American soldiers to serve in Korea. Jefferson County's sheriff talked about how someone made a comic book in 1953 illustrating 10 stories of soldiers' heroics, they depicted Corporal McGee as a White man. We owe a hero like Corporal McGee a tribute that befits his service and sacrifice.…”