July 25, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 126 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN HONOR OF ROY BATES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2019

  Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a special 
man, Roy Bates, of Winchester, Kentucky. Mr. Bates, a true patriot, 
passed away on July 4, 2019.
  Roy Bates was quite eager to serve his country and attempted 
unsuccessfully to enlist in the Navy and in the Army when he was not 
yet of legal age. In 1950, when he was 18 years old, he enlisted in the 
Marine Corps and went to Parris Island for training. He was assigned to 
Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Regiment, 1st Division. He was soon sent 
to Korea to join his fellow Marines.
  On September 1, 1951, just 3 days before his 19th birthday, Mr. Bates 
was on patrol when his group was ambushed. They were taking heavy fire. 
Crawling on his belly trying to reach cover, he heard the dreaded click 
of a landmine beneath him. His left leg was blown away and his right 
leg sustained numerous wounds. Severely wounded, he was carried off the 
field by two fellow Marines. One of those who carried him off was 
killed in action a few days later. Many years later Mr. Bates was 
reunited with Royce Henry, the other Marine who saved him.
  Mr. Bates spent 7 years in and out of hospitals and had 32 surgeries. 
He received a Purple Heart as well as numerous other medals. He married 
his wife Betty and they had 4 children. Mr. Bates eventually returned 
home to Winchester where he always cherished a deep love for his 
country and for the Marine Corps. He was a well respected member of his 
community who exemplified good character and a positive attitude all of 
his life.
  Mr. Bates and his fellow veterans are true heroes. He willingly 
served to protect and defend the freedoms that we enjoy today. He faced 
life with an unwavering faith in God and love for this country. I am 
humbled to honor the life of Mr. Roy Bates before the United States 
Congress.

                          ____________________