REMEMBERING VICTOR KILLINGSWORTH

On 2025-04-28, Representative Vince Fong (R-CA-20) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING VICTOR KILLINGSWORTH" in the House.

REMEMBERING VICTOR KILLINGSWORTH

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E353] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING VICTOR KILLINGSWORTH ______ HON. VINCE FONG of california in the house of representatives Monday, April 28, 2025 Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and heroic service of Mr. Victor Killingsworth of Taft, California. Victor, a veteran of World War II, served our country in the U.S. Navy for over three years and made incredible contributions to the Taft community. Victor passed away on April 5, 2025, at the age of 104. Victor was born on November 11, 1921, in Coalinga, California, to Francis and Evelena Killingsworth. Shortly thereafter, Francis and Evelena would move to Taft, California, which would become Victor's home for over 90 years. After graduating from Taft High School and later Taft College, Victor enrolled in the University of California, Berkley. While studying there, the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred, causing the United States to formally enter World War II. Eager to defend his country, Victor enlisted in the U.S. Navy at a time when Japanese and German naval attacks had stretched American naval forces precariously thin. Victor sought to be a more valuable asset to the Navy and enrolled in Midshipman School at Columbia University on December 7, 1942. Industrious American shipbuilders soon remedied the ship shortage with remarkable speed, enabling Victor to later serve in the campaigns against Imperial Japan in the Pacific Ocean. During his naval training, while at Joint Expeditionary Base--Little Creek, Victor met his future wife Margaret (Peggy) Sexton who would keep his morale high with frequent devoted letters throughout the war. Upon completion of Midshipman School, Victor received orders to be assigned to the USS Sumter, a troop transport ship, carrying elements of the 4th Marine Division. Assigned to a U.S. Navy Amphibious Squad, Victor worked to transport ``Carlson's Raiders'' to Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands in February 1944. He would transport Marines onto the six-square mile atoll throughout a fierce four-day battle as part of the Gilbert and Marshall Islands Campaign. In the pouring rain and amidst choppy surf, Victor towed Marine landing forces behind him to the beach like ``ducklings'' as he recalled. Victor later noted that his audaciousness in landing so close to enemy positions at night seemed to have tricked the Japanese defenders into thinking his boat was one of theirs. Victor next took part in the operation to capture the island of Saipan. While on the island, Victor drove too far into enemy lines where he witnessed tremendous human suffering on the island. In one location in Saipan, he would successfully urge numerous Japanese soldiers to lay down their arms by promising the men they would be treated with civility. Adopting similar de-escalation strategies with civilians he encountered, Victor's compassion saved many from perishing. Upon completion of U.S. operations in Saipan in late July 1944, Victor transported--in just one day--some 8,000 Marines in 75 boatloads across three miles of open ocean to secure the Japanese-held island of Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands. This vital island would later provide the two airfields necessary for American bombers to quickly reach Japan and bring about the culmination of World War II. Later in 1944, Victor served as a Communications Officer aboard the USS Artemis. While onboard at the onset of the heroic Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945, the USS Artemis sustained withering fire from Japanese coastal artillery and was forced to withdraw to Guam. This was Victor's final combat of World War II, as the war would end seven months later on September 2, 1945. Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, Victor was honorably discharged, married Peggy, and returned to his hometown of Taft. The couple ran Taft Sporting Goods for 37 years while raising their three daughters--Barbara, Janet, and Patty. Victor was passionate about supporting his community, helping launch Westside Little League and Westside Jr. Football. Later in life, Victor wrote a book about his service titled ``The Gator Navy,'' where he detailed stories of his training and service. Cementing his local legacy, Victor conceived of the idea to construct the iconic Oil Worker Monument in Taft, the largest bronze statue west of the Mississippi River, to mark the centennial anniversary of the city. Whether it was his service to our country or our community, Victor has certainly left a lasting impact on countless individuals. The Taft community remains fortunate and grateful to have had such a hero. Victor is survived by his daughters: Patty Killingsworth Gray, Barbara Killingsworth, and Janet Killingsworth Sandoval; his sons-in- law: Everett Gray and Miguel Sandoval; five grandchildren: Christian Gray, Ashley Gray, John Gray, Sarah Sandoval, and Andrew Sandoval; and eight great-grandchildren: Samantha Gray, Andrew Gray, Piper Gray, Foster Gray, Lex Gray, Charlotte Sandoval, Victoria Sandoval, and Oliver Sandoval. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in remembering Victor Killingsworth, and his legacy of invaluable service to both our country and his community. ____________________