Lance Corporal Dana Cornell Darnell Outpatient Clinic

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5943, as amended, a bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Greenville, South Carolina, as the Lance Corporal Dana Cornell Darnell VA Clinic.

Lance Corporal Darnell was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and joined the United States Marine Corps on his 18th birthday. While he was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam in 1967, his unit was engaged in a mission against Vietcong and North Vietnamese forces in Quang Tri Province. His patrol was ambushed by enemy forces using heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire.

In the chaos that ensued, his mortar gunner was knocked unconscious. Displaying courage in the face of extreme danger, Lance Corporal Darnell quickly retrieved the mortar.

Despite being unable to set the mortar up properly, he continued to fire at the enemy. When he ran out of ammo, he moved from man to man, collecting more ammo until the enemy guns fell silent.

When Lance Corporal Darnell's unit was ordered to withdraw from the area, he dragged two marines to safety and refused to evacuate himself. He stayed back to tend to the wounded.

Lance Corporal Darnell died 2 days later, on April 26, 1967, at the age of 19. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his selfless sacrifice and act of courage in combat.

Lance Corporal Darnell's service to our Nation is truly worthy of honor. Semper Fidelis.

Naming this VA facility after the Greenville native son and hero will serve as a reminder and an inspiration to all who seek care there. It will also ensure that his story of service is never forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support H.R.
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Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill and honor the lance corporal by naming this facility after him.

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