[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SALUTE TO ALEXANDER MELESHKA

                                 ______


                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 22, 1996

  Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Alexander Meleshka, one 
of my constituents from Farmingdale, NY, and a proud veteran of our 
``Crusade in Europe.'' Serving with the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry 
Division, Mr. Meleshka saw combat in France. His unit, the 3rd 
Battalion of the 15th Infantry Regiment, became involved in a 
particularly fierce battle in October 1944, while seizing a bridge over 
the Mortagne River.
  In the fight to take the bridge before the enemy could demolish it, 
Mr. Meleshka distinguished himself under fire. The first man in his 
unit across the bridge, Mr. Meleshka was taken prisoner by the Germans 
and transported to Stalag 7.
  At Stalag 7, Mr. Meleshka, who spoke Russian and several other 
languages, was moved by the plight of the camp's 150 or so Russian 
prisoners. Abandoned by their own nation's brutal Communist dictator 
and subject to inhumane treatment dictated by the racist policies of 
their Nazi captors, the Russian prisoners faced slow death.
  Throughout his captivity, Mr. Meleshka regularly risked severe 
punishment and even death to assist the Russians. By smuggling small 
portions of food to our captive allies, Mr. Meleshka certainly saved 
lives. His behavior exemplified the American ideas of doing the right 
thing, standing up for the underdog, and coming to the aid of a friend 
in need. His actions demonstrated what the war was all about.
  Some 50 years after the end of World War II, Mr. Meleshka was 
recognized for his bravery and humanity by Russian President Boris 
Yeltsin when he was awarded the Gold Commemorative Medal of the 50th 
Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Mr. Speaker, I 
believe that our Nation should also recognize Mr. Meleshka for his 
deeds. He is truly an American hero.

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