Resolution recognizing the service of the USS Farenholt and her crew who served the United States with valor and bravery in the South Pacific during World War II.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1248) recognizing the service of the USS Farenholt and her men who served our Nation with valor and bravery in the South Pacific during World War II, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1248, which honors the crew of the USS Farenholt for their brave service in the South Pacific during the Second World War. I would like to thank my colleague from Colorado, Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, who introduced this resolution with me.

A 1,620-ton Benson-class destroyer, the USS Farenholt, affectionately known as ``the Fightin' F,'' was launched from Staten Island, New York, on November 19, 1941. The Farenholt sailed for the Pacific in July of 1942, participating in the invasion of Guadalcanal as the flagship for Destroyer Squadron 12 and escort for the carrier USS Wasp. On September 15, 1942, when the Wasp was surprised and sunk by two Japanese submarines, the Farenholt rescued 143 of the survivors.

The Farenholt's greatest test came the following month in the Battle of Cape Esperance, when the ship helped

intercept a Japanese force of cruisers and destroyers attempting to bombard Henderson Field on Guadalcanal. The Farenholt performed admirably, sinking an enemy destroyer despite taking heavy casualties from three direct hits from enemy fire. The brave crew managed to keep their ship afloat by shifting topside weight to the starboard, thereby lifting the shell holes out of the water. Thanks to the dedication and ingenuity of her crew, the Farenholt lived to fight another day.

In fact, she spent the next 2 years crisscrossing the South Pacific, providing cover for landings, escorting convoys, and rescuing downed pilots.

Her crew once again proved their courage on the night of February 17, 1944, when they launched a daring dash through the St. George Canal in the Solomon Islands to attack the Japanese stronghold at Rabaul. They managed to sink two enemy merchant ships in the process, and General Douglas MacArthur wrote that the raids on Rabaul were ``splendid in every way and were conceived and accomplished in the best Farragut manner.''

The sailors of the USS Farenholt were awarded two Navy Crosses, two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, eight Letters of Commendation, and 46 Purple Hearts for their service and sacrifice to our country.

Madam Speaker, I would like to acknowledge a constituent of mine, Gene Fithian of Newburgh, Indiana. Last year, I met with Gene in my office in Evansville, and he shared stories about the Farenholt and his shipmates. Gene put my staff in touch with other men who served aboard the Farenholt, and this resolution would not have been possible without their valuable input. Thank you, Mr. Fithian.

It is with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation that we honor the men of the Farenholt and their loving spouses, widows, and children. They are part of our ``Greatest Generation,'' and I encourage all my colleagues to join me in honoring their sacrifices.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I also reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would also like to thank the gentlelady from Virginia.

At this time, I have no further requests for time, and I'm prepared to close after my colleague has yielded back.

I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I also yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues. It's truly an honor to stand here tonight and pay gratitude to our World War II veterans. I was very proud to cosponsor this resolution honoring the USS Farenholt and her crew.

Radarman 1st Class Kenneth S. Buffington served on the Farenholt from 1942 to 1945. Kenneth was born and raised in Nebraska, and he lived on his family's farm until he joined the United States Navy. After the war, he became a plumber, and he has called Fort Collins, Colorado his home for the last 55 years. He will celebrate his 89th birthday in September.

Kenneth fought 11 battles aboard the Farenholt. The destroyer endured 12 credited engagements from Guadalcanal to Okinawa. When at battle stations, Kenneth helped man the guns to help defend his ship and crew mates and to ensure that the Fightin' F could engage the enemy on another day.

The Farenholt's accomplishments are many, as my colleagues have mentioned, including the repelling of Japanese air attacks, the bombardment of enemy positions, the supporting of carrier raids, and the performing of rescue operations as well as that of escort and patrol duty. In battle, the crewmen were often stretched to their limits, remaining at battle stations around the clock, sleeping little but doing their duty. The crew of the Farenholt suffered casualties, but they always fought courageously and greatly contributed to the success of the operations in which they took part.

Twice, the Farenholt was badly damaged by gunfire and by shell fire, but she survived to celebrate V-J Day, and was decommissioned in April of 1946.

It is my great privilege to represent Kenneth Buffington and his family, and I am proud to honor the USS Farenholt, her crew and all of our World War II veterans and their families.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I might consume.

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1248, which recognizes the service of the destroyer USS Farenholt and her men who served our great Nation with bravery in the South Pacific during World War II.

The USS Farenholt was commissioned on April 2, 1942 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The destroyer sailed from San Diego, California on July 1, 1942 for the Pacific.

Also known as the Fightin' F, she participated in the United States' first land offensive of World War II, the August 1942 invasion of Guadalcanal. The next month, Farenholt also served as an escort for the aircraft carrier USS Wasp, which was attacked by two enemy submarines. When the Wasp sank, the Farenholt rescued 143 of her survivors.

The Fightin' F fought in the battle of Cape Esperance in October 1942, and joined the American force that intercepted and defeated Japanese destroyers and cruisers. During the fight, the Farenholt suffered 46 casualties and severe damage from three direct hits. Despite this, her crew kept her from sinking, and she joined in the February 1944 destroyer raid on the Japanese stronghold at New Guinea where she sank two merchant ships. That raid earned very high praises from General Douglas MacArthur.

I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Ellsworth of Indiana, for introducing this legislation.

I urge my colleagues to recognize these brave and dedicated men of the USS Farenholt by supporting House Resolution 1248.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Mrs. Musgrave).

Madam Speaker, I have no additional speakers.

I yield back the balance of my time.