Toomey's Bill to Rename Philly VA Medical Center for Medal of Honor Recipient Clears Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Woodland Avenue Veterans Affairs Medical Center is one step closer to being renamed after Corporal Michael J. Crescenz, Philadelphia's only Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War era.
At the beginning of this Congress, U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) introduced a bipartisan bill to change the name of the Woodland Avenue center. The bill cleared the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee last July and passed the Senate unanimously tonight.
Corporal 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 Corporal 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.
"The name of Philly's own 'Michael Crescenz' deserves to be above the door at the Woodlawn Avenue Medical Center," said Sen. Toomey. "It is great news that the Senate agrees with me that Corporal Crescenz should be remembered in this way. I realize this 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."
Corporal Crescenz's brothers in arms and other veterans advocates praised the effort.
"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, and DAV Lifetime Member.
"After over 40 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: Director of Communications and Development, The Veterans Group, 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." said Joe Eastman: United States Navy (Retired) and Member, City of Philadelphia Veterans Advisory Commission.
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