Casey, Toomey Bill To Rename Philly Veterans Medical Facility For Medal Of Honor Recipient Advances

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Philadelphia's Woodland Avenue Veterans Affairs medical center may soon be renamed after Corporal Michael J. Crescenz, a Vietnam War veteran and Philadelphia's only Medal of Honor recipient of that war now that bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey has passed the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

The bill, S. 229, was included by the committee as part of the Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2013 (S. 944) which now must now be considered by the full Senate. The companion legislation for S. 229 in the House of Representatives, H.R. 454, is sponsored by Rep. Chaka Fattah (PA-12).

Cpl. Crescenz was awarded the nation's highest military honor for his actions on Nov.  20, 1968, in Vietnam's Hiep Duc Valley. His Medal of Honor citation states that Cpl. Crescenz gave his life when he, "left the relative safety of his own position, seized a nearby machine gun and, with complete disregard for his safety, charged 100 meters up a slope toward the enemy's bunkers which he effectively silenced . . . As a direct result of his heroic actions, his company was able to maneuver freely with minimal danger and to complete its mission, defeating the enemy."

His full Medal of Honor citation is available here.

"Re-naming of the Philadelphia VA Medical Center is a tribute to the heroism of Corporal Michael Crescenz, as well as servicemembers across the country and throughout our history who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep Americans safe. This dedication will serve as a reminder of the debt of gratitude we all owe to these brave men and women," said Sen. Casey.

"Today, we are a step closer to seeing the name 'Michael Crescenz' above the door at the Woodlawn Avenue veterans' medical center," said Sen. Toomey.  "I am glad that the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee has recognized the heroism and sacrifice of Philly's own Corporal Crescenz. It is a small gesture on our part, given the nature of his great actions. We do this with profound respect and deepest gratitude for his sacrifice. May the renaming of this building serve as an ever-present reminder of the sacrifices of all of Pennsylvania's Vietnam veterans."

Cpl. Crescenz's brothers in arms and other veterans advocates praised the senators' efforts.

"I was with Michael when he gave his life for his comrades, for me and for his country. I am grateful that he will not be forgotten. Michael will always have a place in my mind and my heart. God bless America," said Bill Stafford, USA. Ret.

"In December of 2010, while placing wreaths on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery, I asked Michael's younger brother, Joe Crescenz, if I could have his family's permission to pursue having the VAMC Philadelphia renamed in honor of Michael. All people will know of Philadelphia's American hero, Cpl. Michael J. Crescenz and his Medal of Honor. Let us all say to Mike, 'Welcome home, brother," said Francis Tacey, Vietnam Class of 1967 - 1968,  DAV Lifetime Member.

"After over forty years, it is high time Philadelphia honors this intrepid American hero who gave his life for his country. Corporal Michael Crescenz deserves at least a hospital named after him to honor that sacrifice and the extraordinary gallantry that went with it," said David Kamioner, Executive Director, Philadelphia Veterans Comfort House, US Army 1980-1990.

"I think it is only appropriate and fitting that Philadelphia's Veterans Affairs facility is re-named in honor of Corporal Michael Crescenz, a Philadelphia native and Medal of Honor recipient. It will be a permanent reminder of, and well-deserved memorial to, a true American hero and dedicated soldier who unselfishly made the ultimate sacrifice so that others might live. I thank Senators Toomey and Casey for this legislation," said Joe Eastman, United States Navy (Retired) and Director of Veteran Services Broad Street Ministry.