Recognizing the Service of U.S. Army Ret. Special Forces Major John J. Duffy

Floor Speech

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Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the heroic service of U.S. Army Retired Special Forces Major John J. Duffy.

Recently, Major Duffy was recognized as a recipient of the Medal of Honor--not just for his service, but for his gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty.

A resident of my district in Santa Cruz, California, Major Duffy served four combat tours in Vietnam, oftentimes operating well behind the enemy lines. Throughout his time in the military, he was the recipient of 64 awards and decorations, 29 of which are for valor.

Recently at a ceremony at the White House, Major Duffy received the Medal of Honor from President Joe Biden. The medal was in recognition of his actions on April 14 and 15, 1972, when Major Duffy was the adviser for the 2nd Brigade of the 11th Airborne Division for the Republic of Vietnam.

Over those 2 days, Major Duffy valiantly defended Fire Support Base Charlie against an attack from a battalion-sized group of the enemy. During the battle Major Duffy took charge after his CO was killed in action. Despite constant attacks by the enemy and being shot multiple times, he refused to leave, and he returned enemy fire as he tended to his wounded soldiers. During the eventual evacuation of the base, he led the operation and continued to tend to his soldiers who were wounded in action. He finally left the base, but he was the last man to do so.

Major Duffy exemplifies the heroism that is required to earn this award and represents the type of service and sacrifice that is at times necessary in combat for our brothers in arms and for our country. That is why we in our community, on the central coast of California, are so proud to call Major John Duffy our neighbor, a veteran, and our countryman of the United States of America. Recognizing the Life of Diane Porter Cooley

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Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of Diane Porter Cooley, a pillar of the Pajaro Valley and Santa Cruz County community.

Born to a family that settled in Santa Cruz County in the 1850s, Diane was raised on Las Lomas Ranch in Watsonville. Diane had a deep connection to the land and to the people of the central coast of California. Her father, Tom, was one of the four founders of Driscoll's Berries, and Diane continued her involvement with agriculture until her passing earlier this year.

A deeply passionate civic leader, Diane worked tirelessly to protect and preserve the environment and was an outspoken advocate for the people of the Pajaro Valley. She was a dynamic agent of change who championed the creation of the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, the Pajaro Valley Arts Council, the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

Madam Speaker, Diane Cooley's outreach and philanthropy extended far and wide throughout our community. As Santa Cruz County bids farewell to its beloved daughter of 95 years, may her legacy of giving continue to inspire all of us for generations to come.

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