Commander John Paul Surprenant

Floor Speech

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Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero, Lieutenant Commander John Paul Surprenant, a retired officer in the United States Navy, as we celebrate his upcoming 100th birthday and service to our country.

Paul joined the Navy as a seaman recruit in 1943. He rose through the ranks to become a lieutenant commander over a distinguished 30-year career. He served on 13 Navy vessels, including the USS Tirante during World War II, where his crew was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. He is the last surviving member of that crew.

Beyond his wartime service, his greatest legacy is his family: his wife, Louise, a fellow Navy veteran, and their five children, two of whom served in uniform.

Now retired in my hometown of Melbourne, Florida, Paul remains a proud patriot whose century of life has been dedicated to the service of our country and his family.

Madam Speaker, today, I honor Lieutenant Commander Surprenant. The Nation salutes him.

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