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Rep. Jon Runyan

Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to pay tribute to a true American hero. Harold Phillips of Moorestown, New Jersey, will soon be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Harold was a member of our Nation's first African American combat unit, the 51st Defense Battalion, at a time when discrimination pervaded our society. Harold has lived a life of patriotism and service to his community, his State and his country. He is a pioneer who forged a path for future generations of African-American men and women to serve their country in the Armed Services. I am proud to call Harold Phillips my constituent and I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his service.