Orrin Hatch: “today I wish to pay tribute to a World War II veteran and an American hero--PO3 John B. Baldwin. Petty Officer Baldwin…”

“today I wish to pay tribute to a World War II veteran and an American hero--PO3 John B. Baldwin. Petty Officer Baldwin was a member of the United States Navy Reserve and sailed on the USS St. Louis. Tragically, on February 14, 1944, he died as a result of enemy fire during the Battle of the Green Islands. Petty Officer Baldwin's sister--Ms. Irene Baldwin Cox of Beaver, UT-- recently informed me that her brother had earned prestigious military medals, which neither he nor his family ever received. As a result of John's dedicated service during the battle that besieged the USS St. Louis, he earned the Purple Heart, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Star appurtenances, and a Combat Action Ribbon. Thankfully, the military has since verified John's medals and will soon present them to the Baldwin family. As we approach the anniversary of this historic battle, we should remember the challenges Petty Officer Baldwin and his fellow soldiers faced on that fateful day. At dawn, American fighters sighted six Aichi D3A dive bombers, which approached the St. Louis and dropped six bombs, killing 23 sailors and wounding 20 more. Petty Officer Baldwin was among the fallen. The Baldwin family has always been proud of John's service. We owe this family a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. It is only fitting that we present John's siblings with the medals he earned for his heroism.…”