Download MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART

MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART
CHARTERED BY CONGRESS
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
5413-B BACKLICK ROAD
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151-3960
(703) 642-5360 Fax (703) 642-1841
29 March 2013
The Honorable Tim Johnson
Chairman, Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
534 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Mr. Chairman:
The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), whose membership is comprised entirely of
combat wounded veterans, is pleased to add our support for S.381. This legislation would award a
Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members of the “Doolittle Tokyo Raiders” for
outstanding heroism, valor, skill and service to the United States in conducting the bombings of
Tokyo.
The 80 brave aircraft crewman volunteered for an extremely dangerous mission without knowing
the location of the target. They were led by Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle and they all put
their lives on the line for the good of their country.
At a time in the early stages of WW II, when America desperately needed something to feel good
about, these brave men risked their lives to provide that positive morale boosting event. In so doing
they served notice to the Japanese Empire that their homeland was vulnerable to attack.
Only five of these heroes survive and MOPH cannot imagine a better time for our nation to finally
recognize this brave group of Americans who did so much for their country and all Americans.
MOPH requests that your committee act expeditiously on this legislation and help to bring it to the
floor of the Senate.
Respectfully,
Bruce G. McKenty
National Commander
cc:
The Honorable Mike Crapo, Ranking Member
The Honorable Sherrod Brown
EXCLUSIVELY FOR COMBAT WOUNDED VETERANS