Coronavirus

Floor Speech

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Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to recognize the distinguished service of one of Medford, Oregon's own and to ask my Senate colleagues to join me in support of the U.S. Marine Corps PFC Delbert Littrell's honorary promotion to corporal.

It is an honorary promotion because it was 75 years ago, in World War II, that Mr. Littrell served in the 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division.

His service was marked by a combat history of notable intensity and duration. He fought in five pivotal battles that together changed the tide of the war in the Pacific Theater: the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign, between November 1943 and February 1944; the Battle of Saipan, between June 15, 1944, and July 9, 1944; the Battle of Tinian, between July 24, 1944, and August 1, 1944; the Battle of Iwo Jima, between February 19, 1945, and March 26, 1945; and, fifth, the Battle of Okinawa, between April 1, 1945, and June 22, 1945. What an outstanding contribution to make to the fight for freedom, and what a remarkable bit of history to be part of.

As administrative officers noted while evaluating him, Private First Class Littrell performed excellently time and again. He should have received this promotion a long time ago.

The units he served in, however, were under constant enemy bombardment, and the kinds of performance reports and administrative submissions that would have given him that promotion were often misplaced or incomplete in the midst of the rigorous amphibious assaults pivotal to the Allied victory.

It wasn't until earlier this year, three-quarters of a century later, that the Marine Corps Advisory Panel reviewed the comprehensive record of Mr. Littrell's service to the Marine Corps and to the national security of the United States of America, and after reviewing the record, the Commandant of the Marine Corps recommended Delbert Littrell's honorary promotion to the rank of corporal, which was endorsed soon after by the Secretary of the Navy.

Both of these leaders recognized Mr. Littrell's unique contributions, with the Secretary of the Navy noting the indelible mark that Mr. Littrell has left on the proud history of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy.

The State of Oregon and our entire Nation are proud of Delbert Littrell's meritorious service throughout World War II. Mr. Littrell's remarkable combat history and his actions in support of freedom mean that this recognition is long overdue.

I am proud that this son of Oregon, who I hope is watching right now, is finally receiving this special honor.

Colleagues, I know that you join me in honoring, respecting, and appreciating Delbert Littrell and his commitment to the fight for freedom and his legacy of service to our Nation with the distinction of corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps.

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