[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO JAMES BERNARD HERALD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2001

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
James Bernard Herald as he celebrates his 90th birthday later this 
month. James Bernard Herald began his military career in January, 1941 
at Fort Custer in Battle Creek, Michigan where he underwent basic 
training. Following training, Herald's unit went on to become a part of 
the Army's 5th Division, serving under the command of the then 
Brigadier General Omar Bradley. Herald was discharged from the Army in 
August, 1941 as a result of the ``under 28 years old'' law being put 
into effect. However, this spell away from the Army was only to be for 
a short time as, following events in Pearl Harbor, he was recalled on 
December 10, 1941 to his old outfit. In March, 1942 he was shipped as 
part of the 5th division to Iceland in order to maintain the operation 
of supplying allies with goods and equipment. 1943 was spent by Herald 
and the 5th Division traveling to England and, when English soil became 
too crowded with troops and tanks, moving onto a base near Belfast, 
Northern Ireland in September, 1943.
  By D-Day, 1944 James B. Herald was a Sergeant and Section Chief of a 
155 millimeter Howitzer Cannon and a contingent of 14 men, which landed 
on Omaha Beach. Sergeant Herald and his men pushed forward to Metz, a 
fortress city in northeast France where his courage helped him to 
endure the violent combat, and shrapnel wounds both to the head and the 
hip. Once Herald had been treated for his wounds he was cited with the 
``Purple Heart'' and sent straight back into action. He went on to be 
awarded with a ``Bronze Star'', the medal awarded for ``bravery beyond 
the call of duty'' for his heroic actions in Czechoslovakia in May, 
1945.
  Throughout his career in the Army, Herald was referred to as an 
exceptional ``American Soldier''. He marched through Germany, Austria, 
Italy, France and Belgium, and saw London, Paris, the Rhine, Brenner 
Pass and the Alps at their worst. He as demobilized in Indian Town Gap, 
Pennsylvania in August 1945, the year and month that saw the Japanese 
surrender. Following his demobilization he has continued to contribute 
greatly to society. He became the Commander of the Walter T. Roach 
American Legion Post in Hubbardston, which he and Elmer Cunningham kept 
going out of their own generosity and hard work. Herald held this post 
over thirty years ago and no one has since forgotten, and he now holds 
the distinction of oldest past commander. Further distinctions also 
include Herald's role as an Intelligence Agent in Europe (#1001), a 
member of the Knights of Columbus for fifty years, a member of the 
Moose for thirty years and best of all, a member of the Heralds for 
almost seventy years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating 
James Bernard Herald as he celebrates his 90th birthday later this 
year. It is most appropriate at this time that his lifetime 
achievements and service to his country and community should be 
recognized and honored.

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