[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 142 (Monday, November 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1975]]

                       FIVE TRUE AMERICAN HEROES

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 4, 2002

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, It is my distinct honor and privilege to 
congratulate five true American heroes. Adam Kirschner, Joseph Giorgio, 
Edward Szczepanski, Norman Schoon, and Richard Krame are World War II 
Army veterans who risked their lives to protect our freedom. These 
brave men will be honored on Sunday, November 3, 2002 at the Salute 
2002 ceremony to be held at Munster High School in Munster Indiana.
  Sergeant Adam Kirschner was raised in East Chicago, Indiana and 
graduated from Washington High School in June 1941. After serving in 
the Indiana National Guard, Adam was inducted into active duty in the 
Army on March 2, 1943. He participated in the Landing at Normandy on D-
Day, and he continued to fight into Northern France and the Rhineland. 
Sergeant Kirschner scouted new terrain searching for minefields and 
enemy troops. He was subjected to heavy artillery, mortar, and small 
arms fire, but his superior skill and his desire to fulfill his duty 
guided him. Adam earned many medals and awards for his bravery, 
including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart Medal. He separated from 
the Army on November 16, 1945, and returned to his wife, Theresa, in 
East Chicago, where they raised a loving family. Sergeant Kirschner has 
remained loyal to Northwest Indiana by participating in several service 
organizations, including the American Legion, Purple Heart Association, 
and the D.A.V.
  Mr. Speaker, Joseph Giorgio was also raised in East Chicago and 
enlisted in the Army after graduating from Roosevelt High School. He 
joined the Army on August 3, 1944 and served in the Third Infantry 
Division, 30th Regiment, Company I. On March 15, 1945, Joseph was 
leading an attack with two other men against German forces in the town 
of Schmittviller, Germany. Joseph lost one leg and an eye after 
stepping on a landmine. The explosion alerted the Germans to the 
American position, and a battle ensued. During the battle, Joseph was 
shot by German forces and was left for dead. His two companions were 
also shot and were rescued by American forces later that night, but 
they left Joseph behind because he had lost consciousness and they 
believed he had lost his life. His miraculous will to live carried 
Joseph through the night, and when another battle began the next day 
Joseph called out for help and was rescued. Joseph was discharged from 
the Army on December 12, 1945, earning many awards, including two 
Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, and the French Croix de Guerre with a 
Bronze Palm, the highest honor given to a soldier by the French 
Government, for his heroism.
  Edward Szczepanski was called into service by the United States Army 
on April 11, 1941. After several months of training, Edward arrived in 
Ora Bay, New Guinea to begin what would be a 27-month tour of duty as a 
Technical Sergeant with the 38th Division, 151st Infantry. He risked 
his life in order to save the lives of others while fighting in New 
Guinea, the Philippines, and the Island of Corriegdor. He was awarded 
numerous medals for his bravery, including the Asiatic Pacific Theater 
Ribbon with five Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 
Bronze Star, the Expert Rifle Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal. Edward 
was also selected to be a member of the Honor Guard for General Douglas 
MacArthur on his return to Corriegdor. Edward separated from the Army 
on October 4, 1945, and returned to his home in East Chicago, where he 
later married his wife, Dorothy, and raised a family while serving as 
an active member of the American Legion.
  Mr. Speaker, Norman Schoon was a farmer from Wheatfield, Indiana 
before he entered the Army on January 25, 1943 at Fort Benjamin 
Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana. Fewer than eleven months later, Norm 
was a Sergeant with the famed Golden Lion Division, the 423rd Infantry, 
106th Division and fighting the German forces at the ``Battle of the 
Bulge.'' Norman was one of 7,000 American troops in his Division that 
were taken as prisoners of war and forced to endure harsh treatment by 
the German military. Four months after being imprisoned by the Germans, 
Norman was rescued by Allied troops on November 19, 1945. Norman 
separated from the Army on October 28, 1945 as a highly decorated and 
respected soldier. He later married his wife, Marti, and raised a 
family while becoming active in the VFW and the Purple Heart Member 
club.
  Richard A. Krame joined the Army on March 10, 1943 at Fort Benjamin 
Harrison in Indianapolis. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade Engineers, 
who landed on Utah Beach in Normandy at 6:30 a.m. on June 6, 1944. 
Inclement weather forced the troops to fight only with small firearms. 
As the weather cleared, they were able to receive the supplies that 
they needed to fight their way off of the beach and into the heart of 
France. Richard fought in five engagements in Normandy, Northern 
France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. He also received the 
Croix de Guerre with a Star from the French Government, as well as many 
awards for his bravery from the Army. Richard separated from the Army 
on December 3, 1945, and is a proud member of his Schererville 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other colleagues join me in 
thanking these five men, as well as our other former and current 
members of the United States military, for their braverv and valor in 
the face of danger. These men risked their lives in order to protect 
the freedoms that we enjoy each day, and they deserve all of our honor 
and respect. I am proud to represent them in the First Congressional 
District.

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