[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE 202ND COMBAT ENGINEERS, COMPANY B

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                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2001

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of World 
War II Veterans who helped change the course of history in Europe. 
Their contribution to the American war efforts is significant and they 
should be recognized for their contribution.
  The 202nd Combat Engineers, Company B, was a unique group that was 
made up of young men from Ohio and the American Midwest. Trained as 
engineers at Camp Shelby in Mississippi, they preceded the infantry, 
during invasions, to cut roads, blow up pillboxes, remove mines and 
build bridges so the infantry could advance. The success of the ground 
forces was directly linked to the success or failure of the engineers.
  During their assignment to the European Theater, the 202nd 
contributed to some of the most notable battles of World War II. Omaha 
Beach, Normandy, Battle for Breast, the Break Out of St. Lo, Crossing 
the Rhine, and the Battle of the Bulge, were just a few of the famous 
battles in which these men served.
  In one battle at Carhaix, France, the 202nd constructed a bridge more 
than 40 miles ahead of the infantry. This bridge is particularly 
noteworthy because it was the longest treadway pontoon bridge in the 
world, spanning 1152 feet. They accomplished this feat all while under 
heavy enemy fire.
  This year the members of the 202nd will be awarded the `Spirit of 
Liberty Award' from the French government for their efforts in 
liberating France during the Second World War. The presentation will 
take place on June 23, 2001, during a reunion of the 202nd in 
Middletown Ohio.
  Mr. Speaker, this great group of men, in part, were responsible for 
bringing the conflict in Europe to an end. We thank them for the 
service to their country and to the world.

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