[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 99 (Wednesday, July 26, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THE RED ARROW CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2000

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, today I honor and pay tribute to the Red 
Arrow Club of Milwaukee. October 15th, 2000 marks the 60th anniversary 
of the U.S. Army's 32d Infantry Division's call to active duty prior to 
World War II, and also the 39th anniversary of the October 15th, 1961 
call to active duty for the Berlin Crisis. This is a very important day 
for the club, for those who have worn the ``Red Arrow'' in war, as well 
as peacetime.
  Comprised of troops from Michigan and Wisconsin, these soldiers were 
inducted into federal service at Lansing, Michigan on October 15th, 
1940. The ``Red Arrow'' arrived in Australia on May 14, 1942 and 
participated in a number of heroic WWII campaigns, seeing action in 
Papua, New Guinea, Leyte, and Luzon, and later in Japan they often 
withstood bitter hand-to-hand combat, and fought bravely and honorably 
for their country. During their tour of duty in World War II, the 
members of the 32d Division laid their lives on the line for their 
country, asking nothing in return. And once again on October 15th, 1961 
the ``Red Arrow'' answered the call of their country to protect our 
vital interests overseas, this time for the Berlin Crisis.
  For their bravery, members of the 32d have received a total of ten 
Congressional medals of Honor and fourteen Distinguished Unit 
Citations. In addition, the unit has received several decorations 
including the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) and the Philippine 
Presidential Unit Citation.
  This special day serves to honor the many veterans who answered the 
call to duty to serve their country in this distinguished division, a 
number of whom made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home to 
family and friends. To the veterans, as well as those on active duty, 
my sincere congratulations on this very special milestone in the 32d 
Division's history. It is an honor that is well deserved.

                          ____________________