[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 55 (Friday, March 24, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S4529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         SANBORNTON MAN CROSSES REMAGEN BRIDGE IN WORLD WAR II

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Guy J. 
Giunta, Sr., a resident of Sanbornton, NH, who played a significant 
role in the infamous capture by the Americans of the bridge at Remagen 
during World War II. This offensive resulted in shortening the war and 
saving thousands of lives.
  Guy was a private first class in the 78th Infantry Division. He was 
one of the American soldiers who crossed the bridge at Remagen over the 
Rhine River, 50 years ago this month. This battle illustrated the 
American military strength which caught the Germans by surprise. The 
events of March 7, 1945, were known as the ``Miracle of Remagen.''
  Guy left his native Italy for the United States in 1927 where he 
worked as a machinist making parts for turbines for the U.S. Navy when 
the war broke out. Deferments as an essential worker kept him out of 
the war until 1943, but after learning of friends dying overseas, he 
enlisted in a war that included his birthland.
  When soldiers reached a plateau above Remagen on March 7, they saw 
German troops and civilians retreating across the Ludendorff Bridge. 
Violating instructions to proceed down the Rhine, Gen. William M. Hoge 
ordered his men to take the bridge. After refusing, the men heard a 
``whoosh'' as 660 pounds of dynamite lifted the bridge from its stone 
piers.
  There was still shooting as soldiers fought their way up the big 
cliff on the eastern end of the bridge. Twenty-four Americans died on 
or around the bridge. Guy Giunta was one the 600 brave men who were 
involved in taking the bridge, including 200 engineers who cut wires to 
the unexploded dynamite. Guy's medals from the war include three major 
battle stars: the Ardennse, the Rhineland, and Central Europe.
  Guy Giunta is a retired Westinghouse machinist. His wife, Rina Passi, 
also a native Italian, didn't meet her future husband until after the 
war, but knew of him because she translated his mother's letters to him 
from Italian into English. They have lived in a white farmhouse in 
Sanbornton since 1985.
  I commend Guy for sharing his experiences at this important World War 
II battle with many in New Hampshire. His courage and patriotism are an 
inspiration to us all. It is an honor to represent Guy Giunta, Sr., and 
his family in the U.S. Senate.


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