Newville Post Office Could Be Named for Heroic Local Soldier

Shuster and Platts Sponsor Legislation to Name "Randall D. Shughart U.S. Post Office Building"

Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Bill Shuster (PA-9) and Todd Platts (PA-19) have sponsored legislation to designate the post office facility in Newville, Pennsylvania, as the "Randall D. Shughart United States Post Office Building."  The naming is in honor and commemoration of Sergeant First Class Randall Shughart, a Medal of Honor recipient whose courageous actions in combat cost him his life.  The central Pennsylvanian received the military's highest decoration for his service in Mogadishu, Somalia, where he fought under Special Operations Command in October of 1993.

"Shughart's heroic actions are an example of the exemplary men and women we have serving abroad today to defend our freedoms.  Not every community is privileged to have a Medal of Honor recipient - in fact it is rare," said Shuster.  "Soon enough though, Newville will have a reminder of this American hero from their area and as they remember his brave actions, commitment to his country and dedication to service, they should be proud of Randall Shughart."

"It is a great privilege for me to help sponsor this legislation honoring Medal of Honor recipient Randall Shughart, Platts said.  The unparalleled liberties and freedoms that all Americans enjoy would not be but for the selfless and courageous sacrifice of true American heroes such as Sergeant First Class Shughart.  We are forever indebted to him and all of our Nation's men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf."

Shughart, who grew up in Newville, was one of the very few volunteers offering to be reinserted into combat to protect his fellow soldiers stranded in a downed helicopter.  He requested to return to the hostile situation because ground forces were not readily available, despite knowing he would only have a pistol and rifle. 

Shughart reached the wounded soldiers and his response saved the pilot's life.  His heroic actions were highlighted in the movie "Black Hawk Down."

Shuster and Platts are the legislation's original sponsors and it was introduced on Tuesday.  The bill is expected to be brought to the floor of the House of Representatives soon for debate and passage.  Officials from Cumberland County and the surrounding communities have been working with the members' Washington offices to coordinate the dedication.

Sergeant First Class Shughart served as a Sniper Team Member, United States Army Special Operations Command with Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu.  He received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions.