The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING STAFF SERGEANT DAVID HERSHBERGER
______
HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Friday, May 28, 2021
Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sergeant David Hershberger as the 2021 recipient of the inaugural Memorial Day recognition program for the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia.
Staff Sergeant Hershberger died on January 10, 1968, in service of his country while assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam war. Staff Sergeant Hershberger was involved in close combat with an armed hostile force and for his gallantry in action he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.
Staff Sergeant Hershberger was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 10, 1947, the first child of Lloyd and Wilchester Woodley Hershberger
(Chester). Along with his siblings Cindy, Patti, and Charles, David relished life in the country. With many aunts, uncles, and cousins nearby, he was rooted in family. The Hershberger family faithfully attended Laurel Avenue Church of Christ in Chesapeake, Virginia, where David attended youth group and was much loved by his church family.
He attended Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach where he was on the track team. He was particularly adept at running hurdles and was awarded a trophy for Athlete of the Year. He graduated with the class of 1965.
SSG Hershberger enlisted in the United States Army in 1966 and attended his training as an infantryman in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Dr. James D. Johnson served with SSG Hershberger and said that, ``David was a natural leader. Everyone, and I mean everyone, in Company A, 360th Infantry knew him . . . When David spoke, everyone knew to listen and that whatever he said was straight. He was very energetic, enthusiastic, mature beyond his years and highly respected in everything he did.''
It is for these reasons and so many more that I am proud to recognize Staff Sergeant Hershberger as the 2021 recipient of the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia's inaugural Memorial Day recognition program for his selfless service to our Commonwealth and our country.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Staff Sergeant Hershberger for his devotion to the United States of America and his selflessness while in defense of our country.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 94
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