[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 121 (Monday, August 22, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       HONORING FRANK LITHERLAND

  Mr. DURENBERGER. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the 
passing of a truly great citizen of Minneapolis. Frank Litherland--
``Big Frank'' to the many of us who were his friends--was a true 
patriot whose service to his country began with his heroic combat role 
in World War II and continued with a long and exemplary civilian career 
in real estate.
  Frank was born in 1924 in a cabin on a logging camp in Koochiching 
County. As a teenager, he already showed the initiative that would make 
him a great success in later life. He worked part-time unloading salt 
bags at the Morton Salt Co. and was enrolled in the University of 
Minnesota High School Gifted Students Program.
  In 1942, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army and attended jump school. 
After obtaining Airborne Ranger status, he served in Sicily, North 
Africa, and Normandy with the 82d Allied Airborne.
  He played a significant role in the liberation of Europe--a role we 
commemorated earlier this year at the 50th anniversary ceremonies of 
the D-day landing. On D-day, he was dropped behind enemy lines to 
secure landing areas for the British glider units.
  In Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge, he was taken prisoner by 
the Germans. After they took his boots from him--to prevent him from 
making an escape attempt--he stole the boots of a German soldier and 
escaped all the way back to Allied lines.
  His active service earned him a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and 
four Purple Hearts.
  Sidelined by serious wounds in early 1945, he came back to America. 
Only 21 years of age, he had already lived a full and productive life. 
But his life was just beginning.
  In November 1946, he married Carol--who would be the mother of his 
three children--Gail, Mark, and Craig.
  In 1947, they came home to Minneapolis. Frank worked at Warner 
Hardware and the Twin City Arsenal, and by 1952 he was able to form his 
own construction business.
  His next move was into the real estate business. He served as vice 
president of Bermel Smaby Realty before forming his own company, 
Jackson-Litherland & Associates.
  I met Frank when I served Gov. Harold LeVander in the late 1960's. He 
represented veterans and realtors honestly and persistently. When I 
showed signs of interest in public service, he encouraged me--advised 
me--and supported me.
  Throughout my years of service to Minnesotans in the Senate, Frank 
provided wise counsel--especially on behalf of the men and women who, 
like himself, had served their country in time of war.
  The passing of Frank Litherland is deeply mourned not only by Carol 
and the children, son-in-law Bob Marcotte, daughter-in-law Rikka, and 
grandchildren Chad, Stacee, Regan, Sara, Mathew, and Krysta--but by all 
of us who were Frank's friends. I know that I am just one of many who 
will miss him deeply, and I ask my colleagues to join me in 
commemorating his passing.

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