[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 126 (Tuesday, September 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1733]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1733]]
    ``BAND OF BROTHERS'': THE STORY OF EASY COMPANY, 101ST AIRBORNE 
                                DIVISION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2001

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, it was during the early morning hours prior 
to the D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944 that the men of Easy Company 
parachuted into Normandy. Company E, as was their official designation, 
was part of the 101st Airborne Division that carried out many 
objectives during World War II. Their acts of heroism begin with their 
participation in Operation Market Garden and continue on to the 
climactic Battle of the Bulge. Their service continued through Germany, 
ending with the capture of ``Eagle's Nest,'' Adolf Hitler's mountain 
fortress. Their brave deeds, documented in Stephen Ambrose's book, 
``Band of Brothers'' is now an HBO television mini-series.
  On Monday, September 24, 2001, we had the opportunity to meet many of 
the great members of Easy Company. They came from far and wide to 
share, with Members of Congress, their story of defending freedom 
across Europe. In these trying times, their story is an inspiration to 
the men and women of the Armed Forces.
  Last evening we watched in a special screening of the television 
mini-series as Easy Company landed behind the German battlements and 
took out an artillery battery that was firing on the Allied forces at 
Utah Beach. By destroying four 105mm guns, and killing or running off 
60 soldiers, Easy Company significantly contributed to the successful 
landing of Allied forces on D-Day. Because of the overwhelming success 
of this mission, Easy Company's maneuvers are still studied at West 
Point today.
  Those Members of Congress who represent the veterans of Easy Company 
were privileged to speak briefly of these heroes. It is my pleasure to 
represent Major Dick Winters. He was the commanding officer of Easy 
Company, and perhaps best represented the heroism of Easy Company 
through his courage, character, and charisma. Unfortunately, Dick could 
not make the event from his home in Hershey, Pennsylvania, but he sent 
me his remarks which I was honored to read.
  Here are the kind words written by Major Winters about his fellow 
soldiers, ``In 1942, I was assigned by Colonel Sink to Company E. Ever 
since then the men of Company E have been my buddies in combat, my 
friends, my family--forever. I shall never forget them.''
  At the conclusion of the event, everyone in attendance rose in 
applause for several minutes to praise the heroic efforts of Easy 
Company. Among Members of Congress, top military personnel and guests 
alike, dry eyes were few and far between.
  The story of Easy Company is testament to the Allied forces' fight 
for freedom in World War II. Today, we benefit from their sacrifices 
made nearly sixty years ago, and for that, we are all eternally 
grateful. I know that the House of Representatives joins me in honoring 
these brave soldiers. Let us never forget their story.

                          ____________________