Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Timothy Bishop announced that legislation to designate the United States Post Office located at 1210 West Main Street in Riverhead, New York as the ‘‘Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn Post Office Building” has passed the Senate. The post office renaming is in honor of Garfield M. Langhorn, a deceased Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient who gave his life to save his comrades. Schumer, Gillibrand, and Bishop have been pushing for this legislation as a tribute to a brave American who gave his life for his country.
“Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn is truly an American hero,” Schumer said. “By renaming this post office after him, we are honoring his selfless and heroic actions to sacrifice his own life for the lives of his comrades. The Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn Post Office Building Langhorn will truly be a fitting tribute to a man who gave his life for his country.”
“Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, serving with honor, integrity and dignity,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Naming the Riverhead after him will honor his legacy in his community.”
“This will serve as a lasting tribute in the community to one of Riverhead’s heroes, Private First Class Garfield M. Longhorn,” Congressman Bishop said. “As residents conduct their daily business at the Post Office, hopefully that will spare a moment to remember PFC Langhorn’s extraordinary service to our nation.”
While serving in Vietnam, an enemy hand grenade landed in front of PFC Langhorn, just a few feet from wounded U.S. army personnel. Instead of fleeing, Langhorn choose to protect the wounded and threw himself on the grenade, scooping it beneath his body and absorbing the blast. By sacrificing himself, he saved the lives of his comrades. PFC Longhorn’s extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit on himself, his unit, and he U.S. Army.
The legislation was introduced in the House by Congressman Tim Bishop.