HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO DONALD GRAVES

HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO DONALD GRAVES

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E141] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO DONALD GRAVES ______ HON. BETH VAN DUYNE of texas in the house of representatives Friday, February 21, 2025 Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Corporal Donald ``Don'' Graves, a Fort Worth resident and distinguished World War II veteran. Graves left high school in 1942 at just 17 years old to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps, inspired by his father's service. He served as a flamethrower in the Second Battalion of the 28th Marine Regiment of Iwo Jima. Of the 335 Marines that landed on the island, only 18, including Graves, made it off. His strength and courage were displayed as he survived the intense, three-day long battle, climbing toward the top of Mount Suribachi. On the third day, Graves and his fellow Marines climbed to the summit before reaching the top and raising the U.S. flag. Graves served for four years, leaving the service for civilian life after the war ended It was in the heat of battle for Iwo Jima that he discovered his faith, leading him to serve in the ministry for 32 years. As Graves celebrates his 100th birthday later this year, we honor his incredible journey I thank Corporal Graves for his service and the lasting impact he has made on our country. ____________________