[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JOHN C. DOULIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report to our colleagues 
that a most remarkable American is going to be honored later this week.
  The Catholic War Veterans Post No. 386 in Orange County, NY, is 
paying tribute to John C. Doulin, their oldest living World War I 
veteran and one of the few remaining World War I veterans in Orange 
County.
  Jack, who is now 97 years young, enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 
8, 1918, and was soon thereafter shipped to France with Company ``D'', 
1st Pioneer Infantry. He participated in the Aisne-Marne campaign, and 
the Oise-Aisne, and Meuse-Argonne offensives.
  After the armistice, Jack returned to his hometown of Newburgh, NY, 
and joined the New York National Guard. In 1921, this unit was 
transformed into the 132d Ammunition Train. In April 1924, it was again 
ordered to reorganize into a 75mm-artillery regiment. This new unit was 
designated the 156th Field Artillery. John Doulin remained in service 
with these units until July 22, 1931.
  When America entered the Second World War, Jack returned to service 
with the 56th Regiment of the New York Guard, with whom he served until 
peace in 1945.
  In later years, Jack Doulin remained--as he has always been--an 
outstanding community leader, involved in many causes. As an active 
member of the Republican Committee, he continued the struggle which he 
fought on the bloody battlefields of France so many years earlier: the 
fight for democracy, for good government, and for a free, just society.
  Jack had a special interest in getting young people involved in 
politics. During the 1960's, many of our young people became 
disenchanted with our system. Jack waged a one-man crusade to counter 
this dangerous trend. With his tales of his experiences in what he 
always sardonically called ``the war to end all wars,'' he painted a 
vivid portrait for our young people of just how much was sacrificed by 
so many so that we can all be free.
  In the 1960's, John Doulin was appointed adult adviser to the Teenage 
Republicans in his hometown, and in this role displayed compassion, 
understanding and respect for our young people which unfortunately is 
often rare, and which was greatly appreciated by our young people who 
came to love him.
  My press secretary, who received his start in politics listening to 
Jack Doulin's vivid discourses on what has made our Nation great and 
what responsibilities we all have to keep it great, has often told me 
that Jack was a major influence on many of his generation who remain 
activists to this day.
  I urge my colleagues to join in congratulating John C. Doulin on the 
occasion of this long-overdue tribute, and in extending our best wishes 
to his daughter, Jeanne Doulin Leo, his son, John, Jr., and his 
grandchildren. It must be gratifying for them to realize that many of 
us admire the remarkable patriarch of their family.

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