[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 139 (Friday, October 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF MR. JOSEPH F. ALASKEY, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN E. SWEENEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 3, 2003

  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Joseph 
F. Alaskey, Jr. On October 21st, 2003, Mr. Alaskey will be honored with 
a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Capital District Senior Issues 
Forum in Albany, New York. He is being honored for his heroics and 
bravery during his service to this great nation in World War II.
  Mr. Speaker, on the night of December 8, 1944, the 2nd Platoon, 
Company A, 1276th Engineer Combat Battalion, with whom Mr. Alaskey was 
a Utility Repairman, attempted a patrol crossing of the Roer River in 
Flossdorf, Germany. While they were crossing, the enemies opened nearby 
dams, causing the river to flood.
  Mr. Speaker, with a current rushing at 9 feet per second, Mr. 
Alaskey's assault boat capsized, slammed into a nearby bridge, and 
began to sink. As many of the men in Mr. Alaskey's battalion were 
drowning due to the weight of ammunition strapped to their backs, Mr. 
Alaskey was able to hold onto a beam and pull his battalion-mate J.C. 
Dyer from the raging river to safety.
  Mr. Speaker, such an act of valor cannot go overlooked. Risking one's 
life for the sake of another is the greatest gift anyone can possibly 
give. I am proud to rise today in honor of Mr. Alaskey and his courage. 
I also extend congratulations to him for this truly distinguished 
Lifetime Achievement Award.

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