[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 97 (Friday, June 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      COMMENDING LEONARD R. TOTORA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2003

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride and admiration 
to commend Leonard R. Totora for his service in the United States Army.
  At this time of conflict, stories like those of Mr. Totora remind us 
of the courage the members of our Armed Forces have always displayed 
and continue to display on a daily basis. They are a testament to the 
dedication, honor and strength of the men and women in uniform. They 
deserve to be praised for generations to come.
  After enlisting in the army at the age of 17, Mr. Totora attended the 
Army School of Photography and then spent two years in Europe as a 
member of the Signal Corps, filming motion pictures for the military. 
With the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, Mr. Totora was assigned to 
General MacArthur's headquarters in Japan.
  In Korea, Mr. Totora served above and beyond the call of duty when he 
volunteered to jump 35 miles behind enemy lines with the 187th Airborne 
Rangers. Unfortunately, with no prior parachuting experience or 
training, Mr. Totora suffered severe injuries to his right leg and 
ankle. Knowing hove important the footage he was capturing was, Mr. 
Totora initially refused medical treatment and remained with the 187th 
Airborne Rangers for many more hours.
  Upon hearing the news of his heroic effort on the battlefield, UN 
Supreme Commander General Ridgeway awarded Mr. Totora paratrooper wings 
with a Battle Star. In addition to his paratrooper wings, Mr. Totora 
was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery against the enemy.
  I commend Mr. Leonard Totora for his dedication and service to his 
country and for the bravery, honor and valor he displayed during his 
service in the Army.

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