Floor SpeechNeutral2026-07-09

HONORING JOE CAMINITI

TaxesEnvironmentDefenseVeterans

Context

On 2026-07-09, Representative John B. Larson (D-CT-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING JOE CAMINITI" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING JOE CAMINITI

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E661] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JOE CAMINITI _____ HON. JOHN B. LARSON of connecticut in the house of representatives Thursday, July 9, 2026 Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable constituent, Joe Caminiti of Bristol, a 101-year-old World War II veteran whose service record includes storming the beaches of Iwo Jima and liberating Guam. At age 18, Mr. Caminiti left school to join the US Marine Corps on behalf of his Nation. After training at Parris Island and Camp Lejune, Mr. Caminiti was deployed with the 3rd Amphibian Tractor Battalion to New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, and Guam. Once Guam was liberated, the Marines set their sights on Iwo Jima, an island used by the Japanese military to launch airplanes that attacked Saipan and American bombers. The heavily fortified island had been under bombardment for 66 days, but the military was still unable to take control. Mr. Caminiti was part of the 10th wave landing at Iwo Jima. While offloading troops, his amphibious tractor took on water and became difficult to steer. As his tractor returned a second time to replenish supplies, the tractor stalled on the beach, and Mr. Caminiti repaired it while Japanese snipers were firing. The following morning, Mr. Caminiti returned to the beach, shuttling soldiers and supplies to the island, returning with the wounded for treatment aboard a ship docked offshore, saving the lives of many American soldiers. Mr. Caminiti still remembers seeing the flag raised over Mt. Suribachi, now one of the most famous photos in history. ``We never thought it was going to be a historical thing. The first time, you couldn't really see it. They called for a bigger flag. I saw the bigger flag go up. We had a clear look at it. We looked right at it, and I said. `it's about time!' '' After spending more than a month on Iwo Jima, Mr, Caminiti embarked to Maui, Hawaii, to retrieve new equipment to be used in the invasion of Japan. Before they could redeploy, Japan had surrendered to the US, and the war had ended. Returning to the U.S., Mr. Caminiti met and married Germaine La Fleur, with whom he raised his three children. Mr. Caminiti's service to his community did not end with his military service. He helped raise funds to construct an Iwo Jima Memorial in Connecticut, volunteered at his church, and fundraised for the Woody William Foundation. In 2025, Mr. Caminiti returned to Iwo Jima, now called Iwo To, to participate in remembrance services. He placed one of three wreaths alongside the Japanese Prime Minister, and he carried with him leaflets containing the names of the 100 soldiers from Connecticut who died during the Battle of Iwo Jima, which he circulated during his trip. On behalf of the United States Congress, I extend my gratitude to Joe Caminiti for his service to our country. ____________________

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HONORING JOE CAMINITI Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E661] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JOE CAMINITI _____ HON. JOHN B. LARSON of connecticut in the house of representatives Thursday, July 9, 2026 Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable constituent, Joe Caminiti of Bristol, a 101-year-old World War II veteran whose service record includes storming the beaches of Iwo Jima and liberating Guam. At age 18, Mr. Caminiti left school to join the US Marine Corps on behalf of his Nation. After training at Parris Island and Camp Lejune, Mr. Caminiti was deployed with the 3rd Amphibian Tractor Battalion to New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, and Guam. Once Guam was liberated, the Marines set their sights on Iwo Jima, an island used by the Japanese military to launch airplanes that attacked Saipan and American bombers. The heavily fortified island had been under bombardment for 66 days, but the military was still unable to take control. Mr. Caminiti was part of the 10th wave landing at Iwo Jima. While offloading troops, his amphibious tractor took on water and became difficult to steer. As his tractor returned a second time to replenish supplies, the tractor stalled on the beach, and Mr. Caminiti repaired it while Japanese snipers were firing. The following morning, Mr. Caminiti returned to the beach, shuttling soldiers and supplies to the island, returning with the wounded for treatment aboard a ship docked offshore, saving the lives of many American soldiers. Mr. Caminiti still remembers seeing the flag raised over Mt. Suribachi, now one of the most famous photos in history. ``We never thought it was going to be a historical thing. The first time, you couldn't really see it. They called for a bigger flag. I saw the bigger flag go up. We had a clear look at it. We looked right at it, and I said. `it's about time!' '' After spending more than a month on Iwo Jima, Mr, Caminiti embarked to Maui, Hawaii, to retrieve new equipment to be used in the invasion of Japan. Before they could redeploy, Japan had surrendered to the US, and the war had ended. Returning to the U.S., Mr. Caminiti met and married Germaine La Fleur, with whom he raised his three children. Mr. Caminiti's service to his community did not end with his military service. He helped raise funds to construct an Iwo Jima Memorial in Connecticut, volunteered at his church, and fundraised for the Woody William Foundation. In 2025, Mr. Caminiti returned to Iwo Jima, now called Iwo To, to participate in remembrance services. He placed one of three wreaths alongside the Japanese Prime Minister, and he carried with him leaflets containing the names of the 100 soldiers from Connecticut who died during the Battle of Iwo Jima, which he circulated during his trip. On behalf of the United States Congress, I extend my gratitude to Joe Caminiti for his service to our country. ____________________