[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12217-S12218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING ALEXANDER C. SCHLEHR

 Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to the young 
men and women that served bravely in the United States military during 
WWI, and to one veteran in particular, Alexander C. Schlehr. Mr. 
Schlehr, of Buffalo, NY, is one of only 1,800 living veterans of this 
war. He courageously lived through the perils of European trench 
warfare and served his country honorably.
  Due to his strong desire to assist his country in the war effort, 
Alexander

[[Page S12218]]

enlisted in the army at the young age of 19. Immediately, he was 
incorporated into 59th Pioneer Infantry, later to be known as the Corps 
of Engineers. Even before Alex's infantry landed in France, the boat on 
which he was traveling was attacked by enemy torpedoes. Thus, he has 
experienced all aspects of warfare, both on the sea and in the trenches 
of France and in the Argonne forest. For his patriotic and heroic 
service, Schlehr has been awarded a WWI medal with three Battle Stars 
and is currently being reviewed for the French ``Legion of Honor'' 
medal. He is also considered a local hero. His service has been exalted 
in his local newspaper, the Amherst Bee, and has been recognized by 
local and top government officials, all of whom contacted him on his 
100th birthday.
  Yet, Alexander Schlehr's desire to serve his country did not end at 
the close of the war. When the war ended, Schlehr graciously helped in 
handling the personal belongings of discharged officers. He has raised 
four children, one of which has served the United States in wartime as 
well, and prospered as a successful business man. Furthermore, he has 
received numerous awards and recognitions denoting his sixty years of 
service in the American Legion and the Commandeers.
  I feel it is my duty to recognize the outstanding service Alexander 
Schlehr has given to this country during his 101 years of life. He is 
an example for all Americans through his selfless and courageous 
actions. I thank him for his dedication to our country and wish him a 
Happy 102nd Birthday this coming spring.

                          ____________________