[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING PETE JIMENEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and 
this nation today to pay tribute to a courageous and dedicated veteran 
of our state, Pete Jimenez of Pueblo, Colorado. As a member of the 
Army's infamous E Company in World War II, Pete gallantly served, 
protecting our freedoms on the field of battle. Pete is the newest 
recipient of the Croix de Guerre, a medal given by the President of 
France for uncommon heroism, valor, and bravery during battle. Pete has 
also been named a Knight of the Legion of Honor. This is the most 
prestigious of French military awards, and past recipients include 
President Ronald Reagan, President George Bush, and Secretary of State 
Colin Powell. I would like to join my colleagues in congratulating Pete 
and recognizing his deeds here today.
  Pete will receive these commendations for events that took place 
throughout World War II, but particularly on September 17, 1944. On 
this day, Pete voluntarily took command of a patrol whose mission was 
to enter the city and knock out an enemy 20mm embedded cannon that was 
holding up the Allied advance. They were also told to investigate a 
vast underground structure that was possibly holding an American 
prisoner of war. In the destruction of the 20mm cannon, Pete single 
handedly killed two German soldiers while exposed to enemy fire. As 
Pete approached the underground structure, his squad encountered a 
number of enemy soldiers. After a significant struggle, they accepted 
the surrender of a 200 man fighting force positioned inside the 
structure. Due to the ferocity of Pete's squad, the enemy believed they 
were under attack from a much larger force and threw down their 
weapons.
  This is just one of the many heroic events that Pete Jimenez 
participated in during World War II. As the war ended, Pete was 
decorated with several medals, representing the valor and courage he 
displayed. He would go on to receive the World War II Victory Medal, 
four Bronze Stars for participation in the Normandy, Northern France, 
Central Europe, and Rhineland campaigns and two Bronze Stars for 
heroism and valor. Pete would also receive the Good Conduct Medal and 
the Purple Heart, as Pete was wounded five times in battle.
  Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues here today in congratulating 
Pete and in recognizing this prestigious honor. This recognition to 
Pete for the work he did for our country is long overdue, and I am 
proud to bring his achievements to the attention of this body of 
Congress today. Congratulations and thanks again, Pete, for your many 
years of hard work on behalf of the United States.

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