Kay Granger: “We're here tonight to honor our friend and colleague, Sam Johnson, a man of service, a man of faith, and a man of…”

“We're here tonight to honor our friend and colleague, Sam Johnson, a man of service, a man of faith, and a man of tremendous courage. Sam was released from captivity 40 years ago as part of Operation Homecoming. It was a plan to bring home POWs. As part of the Paris Peace Accords of 1973, 591 POWs were brought home as part of that operation, and our dear friend, Sam, was one of those. Sometimes there are people that do great things but very few people know about it, people in their family or a few close friends. Sam Johnson's life has not been that way because it's been recognized because his achievements are so outstanding and he's been such a leader. So I think those recognitions deserve to be repeated tonight: two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, three Outstanding Unit Awards; and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society gave Johnson their highest civilian accolade, the National Patriot Award. Sam, it's such an honor for all of us to serve in this House with you, be a friend of yours and learn from you. Thank you for all your service.”