The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE MILITARY SERVICE OF CEDRIC STOUT
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HON. BRIAN BABIN
of texas
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Navy Motor Machinist Second Class (MM2C) Cedric Stout of Bridge City, Texas. Mr. Stout enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1941 and was aboard the USS Utah anchored at Pearl Harbor the morning of December 7. At 100-years-old, he is believed to be the only remaining Pearl Harbor survivor in Southeast Texas.
Mr. Stout was born to Frank and Rita Nezat Stout and spent his childhood in Leonville, Louisiana. Growing up, he labored with his six brothers and seven sisters as sharecroppers working the fields by hand to make ends meet for their family. Like many others in rural Louisiana during the Great Depression, the Stout home was without electricity or indoor plumbing. At the age of 17, Mr. Stout joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) where he helped build national parks in Oregon.
After returning to Louisiana, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 23, 1941. Following boot camp in San Diego, he was stationed in Hawaii at Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Utah. On the morning of December 7, Mr. Stout was awakened by the sound of Japanese aircraft attacking our Pacific Fleet. With the ongoing bombardment happening around him, he knew his chances of survival were slim. Yet, by the grace of God, he managed to get to safety. Tragically, the USS Utah, and many on board, were not so lucky. The battleship's substantial damage made it capsize and sink in a mere seven minutes.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Stout was reassigned to a light cruiser, the USS Detroit (CL-8). Later, while participating in the invasion of Saipan, his landing craft sank, leaving him and the other surviving crew members to be rescued. For his military service, Mr. Stout received the following commendations: the Navy Expeditionary Medal, American Campaign Medal, American Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
While on leave in 1944, Mr. Stout married Delma Courville of Sunset, Louisiana. The couple had nine children together. Their names are Shirley Harmes, Julie Pike, Gerald Stout, Darlene Montagne, Janet Johnston, Janine Carter, Denise Evavold (passed away in 1997), Daniel Stout, and Theresa Hock. Mr. Stout and his wife also had 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. After his service in World War II, Mr. Stout moved his family to Bridge City, Texas, in 1959 and began driving a city bus in Port Arthur, Texas, for two years before becoming a salesman for the Price Cigar and Candy Company. He retired in 1988.
Sadly, Delma passed away in 1999. He married his second wife, Cherry Tiller, in 2000. Together, they remain committed to their large family, including the Stout and Tiller children, grandchildren, and great-
grandchildren. Mr. Stout and Cherry enjoy attending mass together, sharing household chores, and gardening. In fact, this impressive centenarian can still be spotted mowing the yard on his John Deere tractor.
Madam Speaker, I salute this American hero for his valiant service in the U.S. Navy during World War II and in recognition of a fortitude few share, but all are grateful for. I congratulate this newly-minted centenarian on a life well-lived. May God continue to bless him for his service to his country, community, and family.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 206
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