[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 153 (Tuesday, October 28, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CONGRATULATING FIVE U.S. HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 28, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege and honor to 
recognize and congratulate five United States heroes. Mr. Raymond Fary, 
Mr. Donald Erwin, Mr. Albert Fehlberg, Mr. Adalbert Wszolek, and Mr. 
Ernest Latta are World War II Army and Army Air Force veterans who 
risked their lives for the freedom of our great country. These 
dedicated and brave men will be honored on Sunday, November 2, 2003 at 
the Salute 2003 Ceremony at Munster High School in Munster, Indiana.
  Raymond Fary joined the United States Army at Fort Benjamin Harrison 
on March 23, 1943. Raymond quickly earned his glider badge and 
participated in the Rhineland, Central Europe, Normandy, and Ardennes 
campaigns as a Glider Trooper with the 82nd Airborne. He earned many 
prestigious honors throughout his career including the American Theater 
Ribbon, Holland and Belgium Fourragere, as well as the Victory Medal, 
just to name a few.
  Donald Erwin entered into the United States Army on October 23, 1942 
at Camp Atterbury in Indianapolis, Indiana. During his campaigns in New 
Guinea, Leyte, and the Philippines, Donald served with Company C of the 
19th Infantry Division. During his time of service, Donald received the 
Purple Heart, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Battle Stars, 
the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the Good Conduct 
Medal, as well as many other honorable medals.
  Albert Fehlberg, on December 1, 1942 also joined the United States 
Army at Camp Atterbury in Indianapolis, Indiana. Albert's three major 
campaigns were in North Africa, Salerno-Cassino, and Rome, Italy. Due 
to his extensive understanding of the German language, he was advanced 
into the 143rd Infantry. He received the Purple Heart with Four Oak 
Leaf Clusters, after being wounded five different times during his 15 
months in combat. Among his many prestigious awards for his service 
were the EAME Theater Ribbon and the Bronze Star Medal.
  Adalbert Wszolek entered into active service on June 9, 1941 in 
Chicago, Illinois as the bottom ball turret gunner on a B-17 Bomber for 
the United States Army Air Force. While on his 4th mission in Germany, 
Adalbert was seriously wounded on June 21, 1944 but continued to fire 
upon the enemy. His valiant and selfless efforts inspired his crew to 
join together to return their damaged aircraft to safety. Adalbert 
received many awards for his bravery and courage including the Good 
Conduct Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Air Medal, Silver Star Medal, and 
countless others.
  Ernie Latta joined the United States Army at Fort Benjamin Harrison 
in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 2, 1940. He was first stationed at 
Scoffield Barracks in Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was 
awarded the Silver Star for his brave rescue of one of his comrades as 
they were heavily under fire. Sergeant Latta received the Asian Pacific 
Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Stars, the American Defense Service 
Medal, Good Conduct Ribbon, along with many other awards for his 
courage.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and thanking these five brave men, as well as all 
the former and current members of the United States military for their 
courageous and selfless dedication to the American people. These men 
have put their own lives in danger to protect our way of life, and for 
that they should be applauded and revered.

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