[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 146 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING WWII VETERAN TONY VITKUS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PAUL RYAN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 16, 2003

  Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to 
honor a veteran of World War II and a resident of Kenosha, Wisconsin, 
who is currently visiting our Nation's Capital for the first time in 
his life. His story is a remarkable one, and I'd like to share a few 
highlights with you.
  Tony Vitkus served in the Marine Corps in the South Pacific from 1942 
to 1945. He was a rear gunner in a Dauntless dive bomber and survived a 
crash in that airplane. That very plane is now on display at the 
Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum just a few blocks from here. This 
week, Mr. Vitkus went there and saw his aircraft.
  Anyone familiar with the dangerous position of a rear gunner knows 
the immense risk that Mr. Vitkus took in serving his country in this 
capacity. And, as if this wasn't enough, he also served as plane 
captain of a Corsair fighter on the U.S.S. Bennington.
  After the war, Tony Vitkus got married and raised six children while 
working in Kenosha as a milkman and later as a pool custodian. He has 
been an active member of the community, serving as an alderman and also 
on the Water Commission, and he stays active to this day.
  It is because of Tony Vitkus and others like him that we prevailed in 
World War II. These courageous individuals and the military men and 
women who have followed in their footsteps are the reason we remain 
free to this day. We owe them our respect and gratitude for their 
service and many sacrifices for our country.

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