“Fred Randle’s story is quite inspiring,” Ross said.  “As a young soldier, he volunteered for the risky missions assigned to the Merrill’s Marauders, and survived unbelievable challenges.  I think it is very noble of him to tell his story so eagerly, and I thank him for it.  The efforts of veterans like Fred Randle, their sacrifices and contributions are a significant part of who we are.  I encourage young people to talk to veterans and hear their stories.  It is important for younger generations to know and understand our history, and to cherish it.”

Ross presented Randle with a copy of the following statement, which he will enter into the Congressional Record for the 108th Congress:

I rise today to pay tribute to an individual from my district who has lived an extraordinary life, and is now working to share the stories of his incredible experiences during the Second World War. 

Growing up on his family’s small Missouri farm during the Depression, Fred Randle become well acquainted with hardship and adversity.  One of the first members of his family to graduate high school, Fred was looking forward to earning a steady living and beginning a new life with his new bride when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.  The young man immediately enlisted in the United States Army, unaware of the unique role he would play in determining the outcome of World War II.   

During the Quebec Conference of 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Prime Minister Winston Churchill of England, and other allied leaders conceived the idea of having an American ground unit spearhead the Chinese Army with a Long Range Penetration Mission behind enemy lines in Burma. Its goal would be the destruction of Japanese communications and supply lines and generally to play havoc with enemy forces while an attempt was made to reopen the Burma Road

A Presidential call for volunteers for "A Dangerous and Hazardous Mission" was issued, and approximately 2,900 American soldiers responded to the call, including Fred Randle. The unit later became popularly known as Merrill’s Marauders, named after its leader, Brigadier General Frank Merrill.

Shortly after completing basic training at the age of 21, Randle and the Marauders embarked on their mission. During a rendezvous with other ships in the Mediterranean, about 30 German bombers attacked the convoy without success. Fifteen minutes later, a smaller group of planes arrived and one released a guided missile that struck the side of the HMT Rohna. Witnesses watched the total destruction of the boat with its 1,600 Americans aboard.  Fewer than 600 survived.   

Fred Randle was among those 600 survivors, and despite the loss of his fellow soldiers, he continued on to ensure the success of the Marauders’ mission.  I find Randle’s wartime experiences truly inspiring, and I salute him for his eagerness to share his story with younger generations so they may understand what it is like to fight for your country, even when faced with unbelievable setbacks.  Fred Randle is truly part of America’s greatest generation, and his sacrifices and contribution to our country are among the reasons we remain free today.