[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING LIEUTENANT GEOFFREY CHENEY FERRIS AS HE IS REMEMBERED FOR HIS 
                      OUTSTANDING MILITARY SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2003

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, today at the Headquarters of the 1st 
Battalion, 33rd Field Artillery of the United States Army in Bamberg, 
Germany many have gathered to pay tribute to a true hero and a New 
Haven, Connecticut native, Lieutenant Geoffrey Cheney Ferris. Today, 
the actions of Lieutenant Ferris will be memorialized with the 
dedication of the Headquarters in his honor. I am proud to stand today 
to join the members of the 33rd Field Artillery Regiment in paying 
tribute to Lieutenant Ferris, who made the ultimate sacrifice in 
defending our nation during World War II.
  On the morning of May 6, 1943, Lieutenant Ferris, an artillery 
observer, reported to Company E, 26th Infantry during an assault of a 
strongly held enemy position in Dj El Deba, Tunisia. As an artillery 
observer, Lieutenant Ferris' duties included securing observation posts 
from which artillery strikes on the enemy could be called. In the 
breaking light of the morning, Lieutenant Ferris determined it 
impossible for a suitable observation post to be secured in the area 
occupied by Company E, and--as described by his commanding officer and 
others--with extreme disregard for his own safety advanced alone in 
front of Company E to establish an observation post. Determined and 
unyielding, Lieutenant Ferris advanced over an area of several hundred 
yards beyond the closest of infantrymen and was just short of an 
excellent observation post when he was mortally wounded by enemy fire.
  Lieutenant Ferris' heroic attempt to advance his fellow soldiers was 
recognized by our nation with the award of the Distinguished Service 
Cross--the second highest award for valor and heroism in action which 
can be bestowed. Today, his former company, the ``Golden Lions'' of the 
1st Battalion, 33rd Field Artillery again pay tribute to Lieutenant 
Ferris' memory and selfless sacrifice with the dedication of their 
headquarters in his honor.
  It is my honor and privilege to rise today to join the 33rd Field 
Artillery, Governor John Rowland of Connecticut, and all of those who 
have gathered to recognize Lieutenant Geoffrey Cheney Ferris--one of 
Connecticut's sons--for his unparalleled courage and distinguished 
service in the United States Army. I am proud to present this statement 
and a flag which has been flown over the United States Capitol to be 
displayed at the Battalion Headquarters. Lieutenant Ferris is a true 
American hero whose story and legacy of heroism is sure to inspire 
generations to come.

                          ____________________