[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 153 (Wednesday, November 3, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2261-E2262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO CHARLIE WALLER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PAUL RYAN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 3, 1999

  Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my 
constituents, Charlie Waller. As we near Veterans Day, I feel it is 
appropriate to point out the achievements of one of our fine 
servicemen--achievements made while dealing with a unique disability.
  You see, Charlie may be the most highly decorated man to serve in the 
U.S. Armed Forces with the sight of only one eye.
  Charlie entered the U.S. Army (Air Corps) as a desk clerk. He was 
subsequently sent overseas first to Algeria and then to several 
locations in Europe. He served in the Communications Section of the 
725th Squadron, 451st Bomber Group.
  While there, it was noted by several of the soldiers in his unit that 
he was an excellent soldier. He also received several awards, including 
10 battle stars, 2 presidential unit citation awards, an Army good 
Conduct medal, An American Campaign Medal, The European-African Middle 
Eastern Campaign Medal, 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, & the WWII victory Medal. 
This information has been verified by the National Personnel Records 
Center. Eventually, his commanding officers realized that he was not 
eligible to serve in a combat unit and he was promptly sent back to the 
states.
  In 1997-98, Representative Mark Neumann assisted Charlie in having 
his records officially changed to reflect that he only had his limited 
vision of one eye prior to entering the service.
  Again, Charlie overcame his disability and served his country with 
courage and honor. It is for his dedication and achievements that I 
honor him today.

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