Hiroshi ``hershey'' Miyamura Va Clinic
Floor Speech
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Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 475) to designate the clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Gallup, New Mexico, as the Hiroshi ``Hershey'' Miyamura VA Clinic.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows: S. 475
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF HIROSHI ``HERSHEY'' MIYAMURA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CLINIC.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Hiroshi ``Hershey'' Miyamura was born on October 6, 1925, in Gallup, New Mexico.
(2) A second generation Japanese American, Hershey Miyamura first served in the United States Army near the end of World War II.
(3) Hershey Miyamura served in the Army at a time when many of his fellow Japanese Americans, and that includes his future wife, were detained in internment camps in the United States.
(4) Hershey Miyamura served in the storied 442nd Infantry Regiment, which was composed of soldiers with Japanese ancestry and became one of the most decorated units in the history of the United States military.
(5) Following the start of the Korean War in 1950, the Army recalled Hershey Miyamura, who had remained as a member of the reserve components of the Army, back into active duty.
(6) During an overnight firefight from April 24 to April 25, 1951, then-Corporal Miyamura covered the withdrawal of his entire company from advancing enemy forces as a machine gun squad leader.
(7) The selfless actions by Hershey Miyamura that night allowed all 16 of his men to withdraw safely before he was severely wounded and captured as a prisoner of war.
(8) Nearly 2\1/2\ years later, following his release and return to the United States, President Eisenhower presented Hershey Miyamura with the Congressional Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House.
(9) The lifelong dedication of Hershey Miyamura to the United States never ceased. It continued long after his decorated military service ended.
(10) After he received his honorable discharge from the Army, Hershey Miyamura opened a service station along Route 66 in his hometown of Gallup, New Mexico.
(11) Hershey Miyamura remained active in his community until his dying days, advocating for his fellow veterans and inspiring young people with lectures on patriotism, faith, and service.
(b) Designation.--The clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs located at 2075 South NM Highway 602, Gallup, New Mexico, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the ``Hiroshi `Hershey' Miyamura Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic'' or the ``Hiroshi `Hershey' Miyamura VA Clinic''.
(c) References.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the clinic referred to in subsection (b) shall be considered to be a reference to the ``Hiroshi `Hershey' Miyamura VA Clinic''.
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Mr. BOST. 475.
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Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of a bill designating the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Gallup, New Mexico, as the Hiroshi ``Hershey'' Miyamura VA Clinic.
Hiroshi Miyamura was born in Gallup, New Mexico, the son of a Japanese immigrant. He received the nickname ``Hershey'' from his fourth grade teacher, who could not pronounce his first name correctly. I know how that happens.
He joined the U.S. Army during the final days of World War II, served as a machine gunner in the storied 442nd Infantry Regiment. Following the war, he remained in the Army Reserve.
At the onset of the Korean war, ``Hershey'' was recalled to Active Duty and, once again, sent to the front lines. He earned the Medal of Honor for his actions during a firefight that occurred overnight from April 24 to April 25, 1951.
Overwhelmed by the enemy forces, Corporal Miyamura covered the safe withdrawal of his entire company, despite being wounded himself. Unfortunately, he was captured immediately after his heroic actions. He was held as a prisoner of war for 28 months and released on August 20, 1953, a month after the end of the Korean war.
In October of that year, President Eisenhower presented the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Miyamura.
After his honorable discharged, he returned to his community in Gallup, New Mexico, where he became an automobile mechanic and service station owner. More importantly, he remained active supporting his fellow veterans and inspiring young people with his patriotism and continued service.
Hiroshi Miyamura is an inspiring American hero. He was born to immigrants, rose to the call of a Nation, put himself before others in combat, and served as a valuable member of society afterwards.
This bill ensures his sacrifice and legacy will always be remembered.
Madam Speaker, I thank the sponsor of this bill, Senator Heinrich, as well as the entire New Mexico delegation, for recognizing this American hero. I urge all my colleagues to support S. 475.
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Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I, once again, encourage Members to support this legislation. This is truly a piece of legislation that helps the community know and understand how a gallant hero served this Nation. A Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award. It is not given lightly. For a person who truly did face a time when persecution happened to his people but still served this Nation, it is a true honor that we need to bestow on him.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
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