[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1988-E1989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MR. JOE BARRERA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 27, 2000

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today and honor Mr. 
Joe Barrera, an extraordinary American citizen who served our Nation 
with honor and bravery during World War II. On November 11, 2000, this 
Veterans Day, I will proudly present the Purple Heart Medal to Mr. 
Barrera for his acts of bravery during the War.
  Mr. Joe Barrera was born on January 7, 1925 in Los Angeles. He 
graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1943 and soon after married 
Rosalie Barrera, his wife of 56 years. On August 9, 1943, he was 
inducted into the U.S. Army and began his military service.
  After four months in basic training, Joe spent 14 months as a TEC 3 
Surgical Technician and 14 months as a TEC 3 Medical Aidman receiving a 
Medical Combat Badge. On December 6, 1944, Mr. Barrera was sent to 
France for his first experience overseas and served with the Medical 
Detachment in the

[[Page E1989]]

276th Infantry Regiment in the European Theater of Operations for 16 
months. During combat, he worked the front lines administering medical 
treatment to the wounded and performing emergency surgeries. Mr. 
Berrera carried out his many duties with exemplary courage.
  On March 20, 1945, Mr. Barrera was injured and received 2nd degree 
burns to his eyes from a mine explosion. On April 15, 1946, Joe 
returned to the United States receiving his Honorable Discharge on May 
8, 1946.
  Upon return to civilian life, Mr. Barrera owned and operated the 
Metro Barbershop in Los Angeles near Cal State L.A. from 1948 to 1989, 
and he and his wife raised four wonderful children. His two daughters, 
Kathy and Carol, are both happily married and have successful lives. 
His son John is a Foreman in the Los Angeles County Fire Department. 
His other son, Joseph, who passed away in 1992, had been employed by 
Northrop Grumman constructing Stealth Bombers.
  After 41 years of running his own business, Joe retired to enjoy a 
well-deserved leisure life. Today, he continues to be a happy and 
modest man surrounded by a wonderful family and many friends.
  I would like to urge all my House colleagues to join me today in 
recognition of Mr. Joe Barrera's remarkable service and contribution to 
our Nation and to offer our personal congratulations as he receives his 
Purple Heart Medal this Veterans' Day.

                          ____________________