Recognizing Sergeant Claude Rhea Walls

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sergeant Claude Rhea Walls of Wilson County, Tennessee, for his extraordinary heroism during the Korean war.

On May 18, 1951, while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea, Sergeant Walls defended his battalion's forward command post against numerically superior Chinese forces. He delivered devastating automatic rifle fire and grenades, then voluntarily stayed behind with another fellow soldier to cover his platoon's withdrawal.

After his brother-in-arms was severely wounded, Sergeant Walls rendered first aid and evacuated him, repeatedly stopping to suppress the Chinese forces. His selfless actions saved his fellow soldier and preserved his battalion's withdrawal. Walls' valor was recognized with the Distinguished Service Cross.

As we mark the 75th anniversary of his actions, I would like to honor Sergeant Walls' legacy of courage, heroism, and unwavering devotion to our Nation's defense.

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