Recognizing Everett's Medal of Honor Recipients

Floor Speech

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Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Everett Lions Club on their formal dedication of the statue, ``Brothers of Honor'' to memorialize Everett Medal of Honor recipients, Sergeant Ellis Weicht and Staff Sergeant Robert Hartsock.

The Everett Lions Club has continuously dedicated their efforts to ensuring the legacy of our American heroes is kept alive. With an unwavering focus on honoring those who served, and those who never returned home, the Lions Club has created a life-sized bronze monument to Medal of Honor recipients Sergeant Ellis and Staff Sergeant Robert Hartsock, for their valor in combat.

Sergeant Ellis Weicht received the Medal of Honor for his actions in Saint-Hippolyte, France on December 3, 1944--while commanding an assault against encamped enemy positions in the town, Sergeant Weicht drew enemy fire, and with disregard for his own safety, provided effective fire before being mortally wounded.

On February 23, 1969, Staff Sergeant Hartsock was serving with the 44th Infantry Platoon when the Dau Tieng Base Camp came under attack. During the attack, Staff Sergeant Hartsock led his men bravely, protecting the vital brigade tactical operations center and nearby prisoner compound. As an enemy fighter detonated a satchel charge, Staff Sergeant Hartsock, with no regard for his own safety, pulled the charge under himself in order to shield his fellow soldiers from the blast.

Both of these men gave their lives while working to save the lives of the men they served beside, and we owe them both a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank the Everett Lions Club for their dedication to honoring these men who, in the words of President Abraham Lincoln, have given ``the last full measure of devotion.''

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