[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H1789-H1790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF WORLD WAR I VETERAN WILLIAM ``CAPTAIN GLADY'' OGLESBY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, a French author once 
said, ``Freedom is a system based on courage.''
  Madam Speaker, the freedoms we enjoy today are built upon a 
foundation of courage, fostered by the individuals who served and 
sacrificed for America, our Nation's veterans.
  Last September marked the 80th anniversary of Armistice Day, a day to 
commemorate the signing of the armistice which marked the end of World 
War I. The United States sent over 4.5 million troops into battle 
during the war and over 100,000 never came home. They gave their lives 
to protect our country and our freedom. World War I was called ``the 
Great War'' and was fought to make the world safe for democracy.
  Today, we have approximately 3,200 living United States World War I 
veterans. I am proud that the Third District of North Carolina, which I 
have the honor to represent, is home to at least one of these 
courageous soldiers, a gentleman who joined his fellow Americans in the 
fight against tyranny, Mr. William Gladstone Oglesby.
  Madam Speaker, on April 2, 1917, then President Woodrow Wilson called 
Congress into session to condemn German warfare as a ``war against all 
nations.'' He said: ``It is a fearful thing to lead this great peaceful 
people into war, into the most terrible and disastrous of all wars, 
civilization itself seeming to be in the balance. But the right is more 
precious than peace, and we shall fight for the things we have always 
carried dear to our hearts.''
  Madam Speaker, President Wilson was speaking of democracy, freedom, 
and the brave men and women who risked their lives to protect it. 
Within 4 days, the United States had declared war against Germany. At 
the time, William Gladstone Oglesby of Morehead City, North Carolina, 
had just turned 21. Later that year, he would begin his service in the 
United States Army during the height of war. He would join the almost 2 
million Americans sent across the ocean to fight alongside French 
soldiers and would serve in Company B, 322d Infantry Division as part 
of the American Expeditionary Forces.
  Now, just shy of 103 years old, William Oglesby, or Captain Glady as 
he is more commonly known, is one of the surviving World War I veterans 
to receive France's highest decoration, the Legion of Honor medal.

[[Page H1790]]

  The French government is marking the anniversary of the World War I 
armistice by honoring Captain Glady and other surviving Americans and 
Allied personnel who fought in the Great War on French soil.

                              {time}  2000

  Madam Speaker, I cannot be more proud to represent such a fine 
soldier of freedom.
  Madam Speaker, Captain Glady served with French soldiers for 1 year 
before receiving an honorable discharge. His efforts in the name of 
freedom are unforgettable and worthy of the recognition and tribute he 
has received.
  Captain Glady's service to his country can only be matched by his 
service to his church, his community and his family. As one of the 
first honorably discharged veterans to join the American Legion, 
Captain Glady has dedicated 80 years to caring for other veterans and 
their widows.
  After his discharge, Captain Glady spent 30 years working at sea in 
the North Carolina fishing industry. He spent 20 years as a menhaden 
fishing boat captain where he received his nickname, ``Captain Glady.'' 
He was married to his late wife, Ruth, for 72 years, and has a 
daughter, Sarita Shaw, and two granddaughters, Catherine Watkins and 
Elizabeth Duff.
  Madam Speaker, William Gladstone Oglesby is a good man, a good 
American, and truly one of our Nation's soldiers of freedom. He 
answered his country's call to duty. His dedication to protect our 
country and preserve the principles that America was founded upon has 
helped to ensure and provide for the survival of this Nation.
  As President Wilson said: ``To such a task we can dedicate our lives 
and our fortunes, everything that we are and everything that we have . 
. . with the pride of those who know that the day has come when America 
is privileged to spend her blood and her might for principles that gave 
her birth and happiness and the peace which she has treasured.''
  Madam Speaker, my grandfather was gassed during World War I at the 
Battle of the Argonne forest. Thankfully he was fortunate to survive, 
but not everyone was as lucky. Many lost fathers, brothers, husbands 
and sons. Their courage and the courage of all who serve this Nation, 
have provided for the free and democratic Nation that we enjoy today.
  Captain Glady and all who serve this country represent the America 
that rose to greatness on the shoulders of ordinary citizens. They are 
the men and women who accept the highest responsibility and make the 
ultimate sacrifice to preserve peace and freedom for all of its 
citizens.
  Captain Glady, with your 103rd birthday approaching on April 4, I 
would like to extend to you a happy birthday, and best wishes to you, 
and I thank you and your country thanks you for your heroic courage in 
the name of freedom.

                          ____________________