[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 8] [House] [Pages 10604-10607] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]AWARDING MEDAL OF HONOR TO PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio) is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. LAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Indiana. Mr. BUYER. Moreover, it is my sincerest hope that the award ceremony will be conducted here in Washington as befits a celebration that honors a truly larger than life American. Lastly, I spoke with Tweed Roosevelt today, a direct descendant of Teddy Roosevelt, and I endorse the Roosevelt family's desire that President Roosevelt's Medal of Honor permanently reside next to his Nobel Peace Prize in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. That is the working room of the West Wing just off the Oval Office. I can think of no better tribute to the greatness of President Roosevelt than to bring together in one room the accolades that he received as both a warrior and as a peacemaker. What finer example could we offer the leader of our Nation, what better inspiration for our future Presidents to strive for excellence in their quest of the greater understanding. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Congress for its work to secure the Medal of Honor for Teddy Roosevelt. We have attempted to right a historical wrong and we have come to learn more about why Theodore Roosevelt was one of our greatest historical figures. He displayed the qualities of a great leader: courage, cunning, intellect, boldness and charisma all founded on deep moral purpose. His courage and the enthusiasm that his courage generated motivated his Rough Riders on the battlefield at San Juan Heights and inspired a generation of Americans as they emerged from the chaos of the late 19th century. Mr. Clinton, we urge you to avoid further delay and expeditiously award the Medal of Honor to Colonel Theodore Roosevelt. Mr. LAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Indiana, and I want to begin by acknowledging his terrific work in terms of bringing this issue to the forefront of this Congress and all of his partnership with me in these last 3 years as we have been fighting for this sense of justice. People say why do we care about giving Theodore Roosevelt the Congressional Medal of Honor 102 years after he earned it. I think it comes down to simple justice. The fact is that Theodore Roosevelt is one of our greatest Americans. His face appears on Mount Rushmore. He has been known as one of America's greatest Presidents. Before that, he was a Governor of the State of New York. He was a great conservationist and a reformer. {time} 2340 He was the architect of the modern Navy, and in many ways help shape American foreign policy as we entered the global age. But it is for none of those reasons that Theodore Roosevelt deserves the Congressional Medal of Honor. It is for the facts that the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer) has laid out. On that day, on July 1 of 1898, when a volunteer Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt led his men up a hill, a strategic hill to secure that high ground which saved many American lives that day, and contrary to public belief, a popular belief the Rough Riders, who Lieutenant Colonel led, went forward that day without their horses as dismounted infantry and they faced an enemy much better positioned than the Spaniards in securing the high ground. They faced an enemy with munitions and with arms far superior to that which they had, including machine guns, which were only a few years later in World War I create such mass destruction; but even at that point in 1898, these guns were trained down on them. Alongside Roosevelt and his Rough Riders advanced the 9th and 10th colored Cavalry Regiments, the famed Buffalo Soldiers of the Indian Wars. And I will say to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer), to all of those in the Chamber, the Spanish bullets respected neither race nor social rank. In the end the blood was American. Up the steep hill, the Rough Riders climbed facing a withering fire from the trenches blow up the steep hill, climbed with men from the rear ranks taken the place of the fallen, up that steep hill they climbed led by their bespectacled, mustached leader, Colonel Roosevelt. In the finest military tradition, Teddy Roosevelt led the way. Rather than pushing his men forward from behind, he pulled them forward from in front. By his own conspicuous courage, Roosevelt inspired his men to conquer their fear, to climb those heights against a hail of enemy lead. In placing themselves in dire danger, Roosevelt animated his men to move towards the trenches that belched the venomous fire. By his leadership, by dint of his personal example, Roosevelt propelled his troops to capture the Spanish defenses. Of the 490 men who started to climb that hill that day, 89 were killed or wounded. One of those wounded was Colonel Roosevelt. And I would say to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer), who has served our Nation in uniform and I have great respect and admiration for him because of that, there is no greater service than I think an American can render to put his life on the line and cause freedom in America's interests. This is what Colonel Roosevelt did as a volunteer. He displayed extraordinary courage, and that was documented at the time by his superiors and his contemporaries. So this is not something where Congress is reaching back and recreating history. We have a strong historical record. There was a voluminous brief that was submitted by me 3 years ago with the assistance of the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer). The fact is that there is plenty of evidence, plenty of evidence that suggests that Roosevelt was denied for political reason. Now is a time to correct that record to see that justice is done and for President Clinton to give him his due, the Congressional Medal of Honor. We call upon the President to do that. Mr. Speaker, I would like to include in the Record a part of that brief, if I can, which documents the historical record. Congressman Rick Lazio submitted the following argument for the Award of the Congressional Medal of Honor for President Theodore Roosevelt on September 9, 1997 Theodore Roosevelt Deserves the Medal of Honor introduction The 100th Anniversary of the Spanish-American War has raised public interest in this important segment of American History. The Spanish American War is for many a line of demarcation signifying America's emergence as a world power. Inextricably entwined in this coming of age on the world stage is the history and efforts of President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt, as the leader of the First Volunteer Cavalry Regiment known more commonly as the Rough Riders, played a significant and heroic role in the victory in Cuba. This victory catapulted both Roosevelt and the United States onto the world stage and the eventual position of leadership we enjoy today. The focus here is not on Theodore Roosevelt, leader of the Rough Riders and his gallant charges to secure the San Juan Heights. Theodore Roosevelt was unjustly overlooked for the Congressional Medal of Honor. His application, when taken in the context for awarding America's highest military honor at that time, warranted more serious consideration than it was given. Many attribute this oversight to political squabbles of the times as well as prejudice in favor of the regular army regiments. The Centennial of this historic effort is an appropriate time to correct this injustice. narrative Thedore Roosevelt's service in the Spanish American War began with an offer of a commission from Secretary of War Russell Alger as Lieutenant Colonel in a regiment commanded by Colonel Leonard Wood in April of 1898 after the United States declared war on Spain retroactive to April 21, 1898. The Regiment was designated the 1st United States [[Page 10605]] Volunteer Calvary. However, they quickly became more commonly known as the ``Rough Riders.'' The regiment was made of volunteers from all walks of life and all classes of Americans. The outfit was considered to be unpolished and undisciplined. Much effort was required to reform the Rough Riders into a quality fighting unit. The Rough Riders were later sent to Tampa and on June 3, 1898 arrived to be joined with other Cavalry regiments to form a division under the command of Major General Joseph Wheeler. The division belonged to the 5th Corps, commanded by Major General William R. Shafter, a Medal of Honor recipient and veteran of the Civil War. On June 22, 1898, the Rough Riders landed in Cuba on the outskirts of Santiago after little resistance but a difficult voyage. The unit soon moved out in the campaign to capture Santiago. Soon after beginning the campaign, the regiment encountered resistance from the Spanish Army. The regiment suffered several casualties including eight killed in a battle to secure a blockhouse. By June 30 the planning for the assault on Santiago began in earnest. The battle was to begin with an assault on El Cancy, a village on the outskirts of the San Juan Heights and in close proximity to the Camino Real, the principal route to Santiago. The assault would be made by the regular infantry under the command of Brigadier General H.W. Lawton and supported by an artillery barrage from a battery under the command of Captain Allyn K. Capron Sr. The rest of the army would take up positions in the jungle in front of the San Juan Heights. The plan was to capture El Caney and then directly assault the San Juan Heights. It was at this time that Roosevelt was promoted to full colonel and given command of the Rough Riders. Several Officers had come down with fever. Colonel Wood was promoted to Brigadier General and given command of General Young's brigade leading to Roosevelt's promotion. By the end of the day, the Rough Riders were positioned near El Pozo, a hill flanking the Camino Real and about seven to eight miles from Santiago. On the morning of July 1, 1898, the army began its attack on El Caney. The barrage was ineffectual and inspired return fire from the Spanish. Several men were killed and many others wounded, including a mild wound to Colonel Roosevelt. General Shafter, who was also ill, issued orders through his adjutant, Colonel McClernand for the army to get into position to attack the San Juan Heights as planned without waiting for El Caney to be captured. The force deployed as directed and quickly came under fire from the Spanish forces entrenched on the sloping hills overlooking them. The Rough Riders positioned themselves near the San Juan River at the foot of a hill that later became known as Kettle Hill because of the blockhouse and sugar refining kettle found there. The regiment and the other units it had moved to support quickly faced severe enemy artillery fire causing many to panic. Roosevelt walked up and down the line of Rough Riders to ensure that they were taking cover and receiving as much protection as possible. The Rough Riders were taking heavy casualties as they waited for orders to engage the Spanish. After many hours of waiting and taking heavy casualties, Roosevelt finally received the order to advance on Kettle Hill in support of the Regular Cavalry. The Rough Riders soon reached the Ninth Cavalry. The Ninth's senior officers were reluctant to advance so Roosevelt and the Rough Riders passed them. Many junior officers and enlisted men of the Ninth then followed Roosevelt and the Rough Riders up the hill. Roosevelt was at the forefront of the charge up the hill and through a barbed wire fence to the crest of the hill all while under constant fire from the Spanish. After capturing Kettle Hill, Roosevelt turned his attention to San Juan Hill to the left. After viewing the approaching infantry under heavy fire from San Juan Hill, Roosevelt began an assault on San Juan Hill from Kettle Hill. Initially, Roosevelt's Rough Riders did not hear the order, but later followed after some further urging from Roosevelt. In the charge, Roosevelt personally dispatched a Spaniard with a shot from his revolver. The Regiment then dug in and prepared for the siege of Santiago. argument for presenting the medal of honor to theodore roosevelt based on the first-hand accounts of his peers I. The case of Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt warrants reconsideration by the Secretary Under the Department of Defense Manual of Military Decorations and Awards, the case of Theodore Roosevelt clearly fits under either section 3a or 3b of the regulations regarding the medal of honor. 3a. The remaining bases for reconsideration are instances in which a Service Secretary or the Secretary of Defense determines that there is evidence of material error or impropriety in the original processing of or decision on a recommendation for award of the Medal of Honor. 3b. All other instances of reconsideration shall be limited to those in which the formal recommendation was submitted within statutory time limits, the recommendation was lost or inadvertently not acted upon, and when these facts are conclusively established by the respective Service Secretary or other official delegated appropriate authority. The situation regarding Roosevelt is unclear. It is clear that the first application lacked specific details. Roosevelt was then made to reapply in more detail. Several letters previously cited attest to his acts on the field on July 1, 1898. a. The Secretary of War's personal bias against Roosevelt prevented Roosevelt from receiving the medal It is clear that Roosevelt was not awarded the medal. Most sources attribute the failure to award the medal to a political rift between Roosevelt and Secretary of War Russell Alger. The rift developed after Roosevelt and other officers signed what has become know as the ``round robin letter.'' The letter was an effort to convince the President and Secretary Alger to bring the soldiers in Cuba back to the United States. Many soldiers were suffering from Yellow Fever while in Cuba and it was felt by the command that they would fare better in the United States and away from the conditions that promote Yellow Fever in Cuba. Roosevelt's concern for his men throughout the conflict should have only counted toward his gallantry and his leadership. However, newspaper reports from January of 1899 clearly indicate that even at the time, many believed that the letter, which was considered embarrassing to Alger, was to blame for Roosevelt's failure to receive the medal. Roosevelt himself references such a bias in a letter to General Corbin, the Adjutant General at the time. A personal bias against Roosevelt would constitute an impropriety under the rules for reconsideration. Therefore, the Secretary has the authority to reconsider Roosevelt on this basis. b. A bias against the volunteer regiments may have prevented Roosevelt and others from receiving the Medal of Honor A second suspected reason for not awarding the medal to Roosevelt is an inherent bias against the volunteers in this war. Only Captain Albert Mills, Assistant Adjutant General U.S. Volunteers, received a Medal of Honor and it was not given to him until well after most of the other that received medals for their actions in the Spanish American War. Mills received the award for distinguished gallantry and bravery for encouraging those near him even though he had been severely wounded. While there is no direct evidence of bias, an inference may be drawn by the empirical data derived from the document. If such an inference is drawn, this would constitute an impropriety under the rules for reconsideration. The Secretary would clearly have the authority to reconsider Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor. c. The lack of a report on Roosevelt's denial or other documents relating to the denial constitutes ``material error'' or ``an inadvertent loss or failure to act upon'' warranting reconsideration by the Secretary The inability to recover records of the actual consideration of Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor warrants reconsideration at this time. Many documents attesting to Roosevelt's merit have been recovered. Diligent efforts on the part of many, including the Congressional Liaison Office, have failed to produce records of Roosevelt's consideration. The absence of such records and any explanation other than some bias against Roosevelt dictate that this case be reviewed and reconsidered at this time. The interests of justice have compelled nearly 160 members of Congress to sponsor a bill specific to this case. The bill has been held up due to the analysis by the awards branch that a formal request for reconsideration is most appropriate prior to the submission of a bill by the House of Representatives. The interests of justice should also provide the impetus for an official review by the Secretary. This request is in fact submitted in an effort to comply with the reasonable request of the Department. II. Standard for awarding the Medal of Honor ``The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President in the name of Congress to a person who, while a member of the Army, distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force . . .'' Furthermore, ``The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life.'' It is self-evident and uncontestable that Theodore Roosevelt was engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States. Therefore, the remainder of this argument will focus on the first hand evidence as preserved in the National Archives, the conspicuous and gallant nature of the act, and the risk to Roosevelt's life. a. Then Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt's acts were witnessed and attested to by many Source material regarding this matter can be found in the United States Archives. Copies of original materials are attached to this document as exhibits for the convenience of the Department. The required letters attesting to the deed are also part of the exhibits. [[Page 10606]] The number of letters exceed the two required personal accounts. Included among the exhibits are letters from Maxwell Keyes, 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant U.S. Volunteers (Exhibit 1), Robert Howze, 1st Lieutenant, 6th U.S. Cavalry (Exhibit 2), M.J. Jenkins, Major, 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry (Exhibit 3), Trooper W.J. McCann, Troop B, 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry (Exhibit 8), Captain C.J. Stevens, 2nd U.S. Cavalry (Exhibit 9), Colonel Leonard Wood, Major General Joseph Wheeler, and Major General William Shafter, U.S. Volunteers (Exhibit 10), Major General Leonard Wood, U.S. Volunteers (Exhibit 11) and Colonel A.L. Mills, Brigade Adjutant General and later Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point (Exhibit 12). These documents should provide an adequate basis for awarding the Medal of Honor to Theodore Roosevelt. The descriptions are detailed and come from both enlisted personnel and the highest of officers. A close inspection will reveal that they are both consistent with each other and are based on first hand knowledge of Roosevelt's actions b. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt's deeds were both gallant and beyond the call of duty Captain C.J. Stevens, then a 1st Lieutenant in the 9th Cavalry, concisely describes Roosevelt's actions as he witnessed them. ``I witnessed Colonel Roosevelt, 1st Volunteer Cavalry, U.S.A., mounted, leading his regiment in the charge on San Juan. By his gallantry and strong personality he contributed most materially to the success of the charge of the Cavalry Division up San Juan Hill. Colonel Roosevelt was among the very first to reach the crest of the hill and his dashing example, his absolute fearlessness and gallant leading rendered his conduct conspicuous and clearly distinguished above other men.'' His actions are further elaborated on by then Colonel Leonard Wood, ``Colonel Roosevelt, accompanied by only four or five men, led a very desperate and extremely gallant charge on San Juan Hill, thereby setting a splendid example to the troops and encouraging them to pass over open country intervening between their position and the trenches of the enemy.'' Wood continues, ``the example set a most inspiring one to the troops in that part of the line, and while it is perfectly true, that everybody finally went up the hill in good style, yet there is no doubt that the magnificent example set by Colonel Roosevelt had a very encouraging effect and had great weight in bringing up the troops behind him. During the assault, Colonel Roosevelt was the first to reach the trenches and killed one of the enemy with his own hand.'' Clearly, the act of gallantry in this case is founded upon Roosevelt's leadership. What makes Roosevelt's actions so deserving of consideration is the context in which they occurred. The letter of Lawrence Keyes points out that on the initial assault on Kettle Hill, Roosevelt and the Rough Riders passed through a regular army regiment that appeared to be awaiting orders. This action is confirmed by Major M.J. Jenkins, ``Held in support, he brought his regiment, at exactly the right time, not only up to the line of regulars, but went through them and headed, on horseback, the charge on Kettle Hill; this being done on his own initiative. The Regulars as well as his own men following.'' It is clear that many soldiers were in fact reluctant to make the charge despite the fact that they were already under heavy fire and taking casualties. Roosevelt's actions broke this hesitation and quite possibly saved many lives. Though men died in the assault, it appears that even more would have become casualties if they simply remained where they were. Instead, the advance led by Roosevelt removed the threat from Kettle Hill and provided a second avenue of attack on San Juan Hill. This served to relieve some pressure on those making the direct assault on San Juan Hill. A further indicator of the severity of the situation at the position of the lines prior to the charge is implied by the twenty Medals of Honor given to Infantrymen for ``assisting in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and under heavy fire.'' This is a testament to the danger of the situation facing the soldiers while they hesitated in their advance. The gallantry and wisdom of Roosevelt's actions are further illuminated when taken in historical context. Since the charge was successful, one can only speculate as to what the consequences of inaction would have been. One particular historical example comes to mind and that is the Union assault on the heights of Fredericksburg during the Civil War. During that engagement, many Union Soldiers were killed without ever reaching the Confederate lines at the crest of the hill. While the magnitude of the force in the present case is less, the situation is strongly analogous. It is fair to assume that had Kettle Hill not been taken quickly, many would have died from the continuing barrage from the high ground. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that the Spanish positions were close to being reinforced which could only have heightened the carnage. This was prevented by Roosevelt's quick action, leadership, and his gallant example. Roosevelt's deeds are best summarized by General Sumner, ``Col. Roosevelt by his example and fearlessness inspired his men at both Kettle Hill and the ridge known as San Juan, he led his command in person.'' c. Roosevelt acted with a singular disregard for his own welfare Then Captain A.L. Mills was in a perfect position to witness Roosevelt's actions during the battle. He writes, ``During this time, (the assault on Kettle Hill) while under the enemies artillery fire at El Poso and while on the march from El Poso by the San Juan ford to the point from which his regiment moved to the assault--about two miles, the greater part under fire--Colonel Roosevelt was conspicuous above any others I observed in his regiment in the zealous performance of duty, in total disregard of his personal danger and in his eagerness to meet the enemy.'' Mills goes on to describe how Roosevelt, despite being grazed by shrapnel, continued his zealous leadership to the ultimate conclusion of the battle with total disregard to his own safety. Captain Howze's account only augments that of Mills. ``(T)he Colonel's life was placed in extreme jeopardy, owing to the conspicuous position he took in leading the line, and being the first to reach the crest of that hill, while under heavy fire of the enemy at close range.'' Major Jenkins also recounts the danger involved and the conspicuousness of Roosevelt's actions. ``He was so near the entrenchments on the second hill that he shot and killed with a revolver one of the enemy before they broke completely.'' Jenkins then adds, ``His unhesitating gallantry in taking the initiative against men armed with rapid fire guns certainly won him the highest consideration and admiration of all who witnessed his conduct throughout the day.'' W.J. McCann's letter further indicates the gravity of the risk to Roosevelt's own life. ``Regarding the Colonel's action in the charge, I remember hearing his close friend, Colonel (now General) Leonard Wood give him a good-natured scolding on the next day for his disregard for his own safety; and in this respect I am confirmed by at least one newspaper correspondent who wrote in substance, as I recollect it, `I expect to see Roosevelt fall in the next battle if he takes the same chances.' '' III. Roosevelt's action should be judged under the standards used to evaluate other Spanish American war recipients Today, there are many more awards given out for valor and gallantry of different degrees. However, during the Spanish American War, there were fewer decorations of honor and the guidelines for their distribution were also different. The bulk of the Medals of Honor awarded during the Spanish American War were awarded for three acts. Some were awarded for rescuing wounded soldiers in front of the line while under fire during the battle of July 1st. Others were awarded for the bravery and coolness during the action to cut the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba while under heavy fire. The third broad area of recognition is for coolness and bravery of action in maintaining naval combat efforts. The lone standout is the award given to Albert L. Mills of the U.S. Volunteers for distinguished gallantry in encouraging those near him by his bravery and coolness after being wounded. Mills himself recognizes Roosevelt's similar merit in his letter to the Adjutant General recommending Roosevelt for the Medal of Honor. ``In moving to the assault of San Juan Hill, Colonel Roosevelt was most conspicuously brave, gallant and indifferent to his own safety. He, in the open, led his regiment; no officer could have set a more striking example to his men or displayed greater intrepidity. Historical perspective is a necessary factor in awarding the Medal of Honor to Roosevelt. Much has changed since the Spanish American War. The perfection and proliferation of automatic weapons, the tank, air power, and numerous other advances have led to different perceptions of risk and threat. Strategy has also changed in many ways. However, even in a more recent conflict, action similar to Roosevelt's in significant ways was both necessary and meritorious. Finnis McCleery was the Platoon Sergeant for Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry in May of 1968 in the Quang Tin Province of the Republic of Vietnam. His force was assigned to assault well entrenched North Vietnamese ArmyRegulars on Hill 352, 17 miles west of Tam Ky. McCleery led his men up the hill and across an open area to close with the enemy when his platoon and other friendly elements began taking heavy fire. Realizing the damage that could be inflicted if they halted their advance or waited, McCleery charged and captured an enemy bunker, his men then followed and he began assaulting the lateral bunkers threatening the other forces charging the hill. Finally, after a bloody battle, McCleery and the friendly force captured Hill 352. McCleery faced machine gun fire, grenades, and rocket fire. Roosevelt did not face modern machine gun fire, grenades, or rockets. The Spanish did have artillery and Mauser rifles. On the other hand, McCleery also had automatic weapons and grenades as well as a well-armed platoon to back him up. Roosevelt had a revolver. Stripped down to the bare essentials and adjusted for technology, McCleery's charge was in the true spirit of Theodore Roosevelt. [[Page 10607]] Both men, realizing the danger of holding a position on the low ground under heavy fire, made a gallant charge and singlehandedly inspired their men despite an extreme risk to their own lives. The only thing that separates these two men is the technology of the time. Both acted with extreme bravery in the true spirit of United States Army. Both men took action at great risk to their own lives. Both men displayed gallantry above all else on the field. One man received the Medal of Honor and the other has yet to. It is time for Theodore Roosevelt to join Sergeant McCleery at the top of that hill. ____________________