Moolenaar Bill to Rename Cadillac VA Clinic in Honor of Medal of Honor Recipient Duane Dewey Passes House

Today, the House of Representatives passed Congressman John Moolenaar's bipartisan legislation to rename the outpatient VA clinic in Cadillac in honor of the late U.S. Marine Corporal Duane Dewey, a Michigan native and Medal of Honor recipient.

"Duane Dewey courageously served our country and his selfless sacrifice in the Korean War saved the lives of his fellow Marines. He earned the Medal of Honor and spent his life supporting veterans, so it is fitting to rename the VA clinic in Cadillac in his honor. I am grateful my colleagues unanimously passed my legislation to give us a lasting reminder of Duane Dewey and his service for our nation," said Congressman Moolenaar.

Moolenaar's legislation to honor Dewey was cosponsored by every member of the Michigan Congressional delegation and endorsed by Michigan veterans groups including the American Legion Department of Michigan, the Michigan Disabled American Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Michigan.

Moolenaar spoke on the House floor about Dewey's courage and life while the House debated the renaming legislation. A transcript of his remarks is below and video can be found here.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker and I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of my bipartisan legislation, a bill to rename the Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Cadillac, Michigan in honor of the late Corporal Duane Dewey, a Michigan native, and a United States Marine.

Corporal Dewey was extraordinarily brave in his service to our nation.

In April of 1952, Corporal Dewey was serving as the leader of a machine gun squad in Korea when he came under fire. After hours of fighting, an enemy grenade fell at his feet.

It exploded and Dewey was injured.

Then as he was being treated for his wounds, a second grenade landed near his position.

Dewey alerted his fellow Marines of the danger and rushed to smother the explosive.

In this moment of bravery, he used his body to cover the explosive and save the members of his squad.

Miraculously, Duane survived the blast, and he returned home to Michigan to recover from his injuries.

Dewey was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Dwight Eisenhower, who joked that Duane has a "body of steel."

Duane's Medal of Honor citation read in part, "His indomitable courage, outstanding initiative, and valiant efforts on behalf of others in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon Cpl. Dewey and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service."

Duane Dewey lived a humble life. He served his community as a school bus driver and ran an office machine repair shop.

He remained involved in the veterans community and spoke to his fellow veterans frequently, offering them encouragement and sharing his story.

My legislation to rename the VA clinic in his home state is a fitting honor for Duane's service to our nation, and his lifelong support of our veterans.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.

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