U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-1st, entered the following statement in honor of
Spc. James A. Butz, U.S. Army, into the Congressional Record on
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011.
A combat medic with the 82nd Airborne Division, Spc. Butz died while serving
his country in Afghanistan on Sept. 28.
“Mr. Speaker: It is with great respect and deep sadness that I wish to
commend United States Army Specialist James A. Butz for his bravery and
willingness to fight for his country. Specialist Butz was a member of the
1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. While serving in
Afghanistan as a combat medic, on Sept. 28, 2011, Specialist Butz was killed
while rushing to assist two wounded Marines when an improvised explosive
device detonated, taking his life and the lives of the two Marines. His
sacrifice will forever be remembered by those he fought to protect.
“A native of Porter, Ind., James graduated from Chesterton High School in
2009. While in high school, James was a wrestler and football player. Many
describe James as very outgoing, happy, smart, and full of energy. After
graduating high school in June 2009, James enlisted in the Army. According
to his family, James decided in high school that he wanted to join the
military. Family and friends remember James as a hard worker who enjoyed
military life and thrived in that environment. His plans were to continue
his military career and become a registered nurse. For his selfless
commitment to the Army and outstanding dedication to his country, James is
worthy of the highest praise. For his courage and sacrifice, James has been
honored by the military with the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal,
the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO
medal, the Combat Medic Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. Although only a
young man, James gained immense respect from those around him, and he was
admired in his community. He will be greatly missed and forever cherished by
those who loved him.
“Specialist Butz leaves behind a loving family. He is survived by his
adoring parents, John and Mary Jane Butz. James also leaves to cherish his
memory his brothers, John and William. He also leaves behind many other dear
friends and family members, as well as a saddened community and a grateful
nation.
“Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished
colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army Specialist
James A. Butz. Specialist Butz sacrificed his life in service to his
country, and his passing comes as a great loss to our nation, which has once
again been shaken by the realities of war. Specialist Butz will forever
remain a hero in the eyes of his family, his community, and his country.
Thus, let us never forget the sacrifice he made to preserve the ideals of
freedom and democracy.”
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