Honoring Brandon J. McDaniel For His Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

HONORING BRANDON J. McDANIEL FOR HIS NAVY AND MARINE CORPS ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 22, 2004)

Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorable actions of Brandon J. McDaniel, for which he was duly awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Corporal McDaniel received the award for superior performance of his duties as an avionics technician, Marine Attack Squadron 231, Detachment Bravo, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, on October 22, 2003. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit was tasked with providing defensive counter air support to Air Force One and the President of the United States during his October visit to Bali, Indonesia. After an AV-8B was forced to return to the ship due to a generator malfunction, Corporal McDaniel proactively removed key components from another AV-8B and when the disabled aircaft landed, he quickly removed the faulty components and reinstalled serviceable components, enabling the aircraft to be returned to the air within an hour.

His quick thinking and sound decision-making directly contributed to the success of the mission and protection of the President during his Far East tour. Corporal McDaniel's initiative and selfless devotion to duty exhibited the highest standards of the Marine Corps and Navy.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Corporal Brandon McDaniel on his medal and commend him for his professional achievement and outstanding service to our Nation.