[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 96 (Thursday, July 1, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF VINCENZO MELENZIO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PAUL RYAN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 30, 1999

  Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Vincenzo 
Melenzio for his assistance to the United States forces during World 
War II.
  Mr. Melenzio, or ``Enzo,'' was an Italian navy radioman who after the 
Germans had taken over the Italian Government, defected and volunteered 
for action against the Germans with the Office of Strategic Services 
(OSS).
  Mr. Melenzio was employed by the OSS for four months in the winter of 
1945 as a behind-the-lines radio operator. He served with the OSS 
2677th Regiment along with approximately 750 Italian partisan led by 9-
10 Americans.
  On May 11, 1945, Mr. Melenzio received a certificate of appreciation 
for his services from Col. Russell D. Livermore, commander of all 
Special Operations Units in the Mediterranean area. Furthermore, the 
United States Army, in a memo to the Italian Navy, recommended Mr. 
Melenzio for the bronze medal.
  It is appropriate that Mr. Melenzio be recognized for his bravery, 
and for his service to both the United States, and to the international 
community at large.

                          ____________________