OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Recognizing Mr. Alvin L. Alce for Receiving the Purple Heart

Floor Speech

Date: Aug. 12, 2022
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. GIMENEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Alvin L. Alce, SPC5, a native of Key West and an Army Veteran who served in Vietnam. On August 8, 2022, Mr. Alce was formally presented with the Purple Heart--the oldest military medal still awarded to service members--at Harvey Government Center in Key West. This medal recognizes Mr. Alce's extraordinary service and sacrifice after being wounded as a direct result of enemy action in Vietnam.

Mr. Alce was born in Key West on December 17, 1949. At age 18, he was drafted into the Army and served in the 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry, Americal Division, and the 101st Airborne Division. Mr. Alce received decorations for his military service from both the United States Armed Forces and the government of South Vietnam, including the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, and the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars.

Mr. Alce was wounded in the Battle for Hamburger Hill, which began on May 11th, 1969. Paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division fought the North Vietnamese for control of the jungle hill in western Vietnam. Bitter fighting ensued for ten days, as North Vietnamese forces beat back repeated American attacks. On May 20th, American forces with South Vietnamese reinforcements finally captured the hill, and the enemy retreated across the border to Laos. Mr. Alce was hit many times by enemy small arms fire during the battle. American casualties at Hamburger Hill numbered 72 killed and 372 wounded.

In December 2019, Monroe County Veterans Affairs discovered Mr. Alce had never received a Purple Heart. Monroe County Veterans Affairs successfully petitioned the Department of the Army to correct Mr. Alce's record and award him the prestigious medal. This ceremony is the culmination of their efforts, and I want to thank Monroe County Veterans Affairs for their diligence on behalf of Mr. Alce.

What an honor it is to recognize Mr. Alce for his sacrifice. He bravely put his life on the line serving his Nation in Vietnam, and this long overdue medal recognizes his courage. Let this ceremony inspire all of us to serve our country however we can as Mr. Alce did.

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