[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 169 (Monday, October 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO GEORGE WALLACE

                                 ______


                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 30, 1995

  Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to take this 
opportunity to salute one of my constituents for his role in the global 
struggle against tyranny during World War II. Mr. George Wallace, from 
Merrick, NY, is a member of the very best generation this Nation ever 
produced. Like millions of other men from all across the United States, 
when war came to America in 1941, he answered the call to duty and did 
his part.
  His service record during the Second World War is both remarkable and 
typical. I would like to enter into the Record a brief outline of his 
military service.
  George Wallace joined the U.S. Army in October 1942. After graduating 
Officer Candidate School he has commissioned as a 2d lieutenant of the 
field artillery. Shipped to England in 1944, he graduated Airborne 
School and was assigned to the 17th Airborne Division, 680th Glider 
Field Artillery Battalion.
  Wallace served with this unit in the Battle of the Bulge and 
Operation Varsity, the largest airborne operation of the war. Fighting 
throughout, the Rhineland Campaign, Wallace took part in the capture of 
Wesel, Munster, and the Ruhr Valley complex.
  After V-E Day, he transferred to the 101st Airborne for occupation 
duties and training for possible action during the then-likely invasion 
of Japan. Following the deactivation of the 101st, he transferred to 
the 82nd Airborne and marched with that unit under Gen. James M. Gavin 
during a victory parade in New York City on January 6, 1946. During the 
war years, he had had the honor of serving in three different airborne 
divisions.
  Not yet through serving his country, George Wallace stayed on with 
the Army Reserve until April, 1953. Following his distinguished 
military service, Wallace joined the New York City Fire Department, 
where he served for 29 years before retiring as assistant chief of the 
department.
  I was very proud on October 11, 1995, to be joined in Washington by 
Mr. George Wallace for the special joint meeting of Congress in honor 
of World War II veterans. We must never forget the courage and 
sacrifice of those millions of American young men, who like George 
Wallace answered their country's call during World War II.

                          ____________________