[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO CORPORAL SEBASTIAN DEGAETANO

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                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
CPL Sebastian Degaetano, a veteran of the second world war and a 
resident of Port Richey, Florida in my Fifth Congressional District.
  I will soon have the pleasure of recognizing CPL. Sebastian Degaetano 
for his heroism and bravery as a U.S. soldier who fought in the 
European Theater from January 19, 1943 through March 28, 1946.
  During the pivotal Battle of the Bulge, which turned the tide against 
the Germans and was the largest land battle of World War II, CPL 
Degaetano was hit in his leg by shrapnel.
  I will present CPL Sebastian Degaetano with the Purple Heart, the 
oldest military decoration in the world, nearly 50 years overdue.
  Though he earned this honor, he never received it from the Defense 
Department and I am honored to have the opportunity to present to him 
the Purple Heart for his selfless devotion to duty and service to the 
United States.

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