[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E995-E996]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             FALLEN HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Staff Sergeant Joseph Fales, a World War II veteran who gave his life 
fighting against tyranny so that we might live free.
  In honor of Memorial Day, I had the pleasure of recognizing Staff 
Sergeant Fales for his heroism and bravery as a U.S. Soldier who fought 
in the Second World War until his death in October 1943.
  Staff Sergeant Fales served in the Army Air Force and heroically 
performed the perilous job of a waist gunner aboard a B-17 bomber. His 
plane was shot down over the Adriatic Sea, and an American Hero was 
lost. Sergeant Fales was only 20 years old.
  I had the honor of presenting his family with medals Joseph Fales 
earned during his service to our nation. They included the World War

[[Page E996]]

II Victory Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Button, the European 
Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one bronze star, the Good Conduct 
Medal, the Air Medal and the Purple Heart, the oldest military 
decoration in the world more than 50 years overdue.
  I am humbled by the courage and sacrifice of Joseph Fales. I am 
thankful for the gift of freedom that he fought to protect. We must 
never forget Joseph Fales and those soldiers who paid the ultimate 
price on our behalf.

                          ____________________