HONORING UNITED STATES ARMY SPECIALIST JAMES MICHAEL YOHN, SR.

On 2026-09-14, Representative Scott Perry (R-PA-10) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING UNITED STATES ARMY SPECIALIST JAMES MICHAEL YOHN, SR." in the House.

HONORING UNITED STATES ARMY SPECIALIST JAMES MICHAEL YOHN, SR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 144 (Monday, September 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 144 (Monday, September 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E912-E913] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING UNITED STATES ARMY SPECIALIST JAMES MICHAEL YOHN, SR. ______ HON. SCOTT PERRY of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Monday, September 14, 2026 Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and honor the life of United States Army Specialist James Michael Yohn, Sr., who was killed in action (KIA) while bravely serving our Nation with the 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Mosul, Iraq. Specialist Yohn dedicated his life to selfless service--both in and out of uniform. He was an athlete from a very young age, played baseball and basketball at a high level, and enjoyed fishing--saying that it was a calming way for him to stop and reflect in peace near the tranquility of the water. Before enlisting in the United States Army, Specialist Yohn served with the Highspire Volunteer Fire Department for eight years. While serving with distinction for the benefit and safety of his community, he also loved being on the fire engine and making people laugh while performing his duties. After the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, Specialist Yohn told his mother that he wanted to do something to protect our Nation from present and future barbaric acts of terrorism. Five years later, he enlisted in the Army and attended Basic Training at Fort [[Page E913]] Knox, Kentucky. After graduating, he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, where he met his future wife, Amber. Shortly after deploying to Iraq in October 2007, he and Amber discovered that they were expecting their first child. He returned home for 30 days to make plans for their future and redeployed to Iraq in February 2008. On June 25, 2008, Specialist Yohn and two other Troopers of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment's 1st Squadron were headed back to a combat outpost following a route-protection mission. Their vehicle was the convoy lead that provided security for the rest of the platoon when they struck a roadside bomb that tragically killed all three Cavalrymen. Specialist Yohn was 25 years-old when terrorists cowardly took his life. He was so excited about becoming a father. He was a devoted husband and family man who had a way of making others smile without even trying. He was an excellent Trooper who took pride in his work and loved the life of spirit of not only being a Soldier but being around other Soldiers. This year, 2026, marks 18 years since Specialist Yohn was killed in action (KIA). He was the first Fallen in the Global War on Terror to hail from Dauphin County, and his memory endures through his loving wife, Amber, and the son who proudly carries his namesake-- James Michael Yohn, Jr. Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged to recognize Specialist James Yohn, who not only selflessly and eagerly served our Nation with distinction in the United States Army, but defended those who may never even know him, that they might live free and peacefully because of his sacrifices. His tireless dedication, loyalty, patriotism, professionalism, and devotion are a great credit to himself, our communities, the United States Army, and the United States of America, and set the standard by which all should be judged. May he Rest in God's Peace until we ``. . . meet again on the High Ground.'' ____________________