May 28, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 89 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              BOB MAXWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 28, 2019

  Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, before I begin, I would like to recognize 
the life of an American hero who I was honored to call my friend, Bob 
Maxwell of Bend, Oregon, who passed away this weekend at 98 years old.
  Bob Maxwell represented the best of what Oregon and America have to 
offer. Bob was the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, and his 
gallantry was well known.
  In the early morning hours of September 7, 1944 in France, Bob 
Maxwell threw his unprotected body on a German hand grenade to protect 
his comrades in WWII.
  This unhesitating selflessness earned Bob Maxwell the highest 
military honor, his second Silver Star, a second Purple Heart, and a 
Bronze Star.
  For those who had the pleasure of knowing Bob, they know that his 
bravery and heroism were only matched by his kindness, warmth, sense of 
humor, and humility.
  Bob once said of his Medal of Honor that, ``I'm not wearing the medal 
for any personal deeds. I'm wearing it because it represents all the 
casualties we had in the war. It represents those that were killed 
defending their country and the ideals that they believed in.''
  Like his fellow soldiers, Bob's service will forever be cherished in 
the country that he sacrificed so much to protect.
  Bob's legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he 
interacted with, especially the community in central Oregon where Bob 
Maxwell was a pillar.
  To the entire Maxwell family: Mylene and I send our heartfelt 
condolences and prayers during this difficult time.
  My colleagues, please join me in thanking Bob Maxwell for his service 
to the United States on our behalf and on behalf of all Americans.

                          ____________________