[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 127 (Wednesday, August 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    THE HEROIC EFFORTS OF 2D LT. EDWARD C. DAHLGREN IN WORLD WAR II

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                        HON. JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, August 2, 1995
  Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to speak today about an 
exceptional Mainer who served this country with great honor and courage 
during one of history's most terrifying wars, World War II.
  To complete his mission in the face of insurmountable odds, 2d Lt. 
Edward C. Dahlgren exhibited uncommon courage and skill. He was awarded 
this country's highest form of gratitude, the Congressional Medal of 
Honor. I would like to honor him again as the 50th anniversary of World 
War II draws near.
  Second Lieutenant Dahlgren was the commander of the 3d Platoon that 
was charged with rescuing another American unit that was surrounded by 
the Germans in Oberhoffen, France. Lieutenant Dahlgren risked almost 
certain death to draw fire away from his fellow soldiers. He alone 
charged a fortified German position under heavy fire and fought his way 
into their building. Eight German soldiers surrendered. With his 
courage and skill, he alone attacked again--five more Germans 
surrendered. He attacked again--10 Germans surrendered, and again with 
another soldier--16 Germans surrendered. These heroic charges made by 
Lieutenant Dahlgren at fortified German strongholds resulted in the 
surrender of 49 Germans and the safety of the American platoons. 
Lieutenant Dahlgren truly earned this country's highest honor.
  Maine has a long and proud tradition of sending brave soldiers to 
fight for freedom at home and abroad. These men have exhibited enormous 
skill and unbreakable courage in the face of death. From Joshua 
Chamberlain in the Civil War through Gary Gordon in Somalia and 
countless numbers in between, Maine patriots have fought so that others 
might live free.
  I am proud of Lieutenant Dahlgren for all that he has given to the 
world. He fought not only for America, but to rid the world from one of 
the most dangerous threats it had ever known, the Axis powers. The 
efforts of Lieutenant Dahlgren and his troops helped liberate Europe 
from the deadly grip of Nazism. This country and the world will never 
forget his sacrifice.


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