[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 81 (Monday, June 14, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H3902-H3904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING THE MEMBERS OF THE ARMY MOTOR TRANSPORT SERVICE THAT SERVED 
 DURING WORLD WAR II FOR THEIR SERVICE AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE ALLIED 
                  ADVANCE FOLLOWING THE D-DAY INVASION

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 439) honoring the members of the 
Army Motor Transport Service that served during World War II and 
participated in the trucking operation known as the Red Ball Express 
for their service and contribution to the Allied advance following the 
D-Day invasion, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 439

       Whereas June 6, 2004, the 60th anniversary of the World War 
     II D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, was observed by 
     Americans with numerous commemorations of the sacrifices of 
     those who fought to preserve the liberty and freedom of the 
     people of the United States;
       Whereas commemoration of those sacrifices and the 
     recollection of those who served should include all who 
     served, including those who performed critical logistics 
     functions;
       Whereas after the breakout from the beachheads at Normandy 
     following the D-Day landings, Allied forces began a rapid 
     advance across France, with the result that advancing units 
     in many cases began to outrun their supplies of fuel, food, 
     and ammunition;
       Whereas on August 21, 1944, in response to the need for 
     resupply of rapidly advancing forces, the Army Motor 
     Transportation Service created a trucking operation called 
     the Red Ball Express which began operations on August 25, 
     1944;
       Whereas the Red Ball Express was a massive convoy effort to 
     speed supplies to the Allied armies advancing across France;
       Whereas the convoy system stretched from Normandy to Paris 
     and eventually to the front in the northeastern borderland of 
     France;
       Whereas by ensuring that United States and other Allied 
     soldiers were properly resupplied, the Red Ball Express 
     played a major role in the defeat of Nazi Germany;
       Whereas members of the Red Ball Express persevered through 
     arduous driving conditions and constant threats of ground and 
     aerial ambushes and performed their duties with precision and 
     efficiency;
       Whereas the Red Ball Express was in operation for 82 days 
     and, by the time Red Ball Express operations were concluded 
     in November 1944, Red Ball Express truckers had delivered 
     over 410,000 tons of fuel, ammunition, food, and other 
     essential supplies for the Allied forces to succeed in 
     Europe;
       Whereas, during World War II, many commanders believed that 
     African-Americans were not suitable for combat duties and 
     relegated them to service, support, and supply missions;
       Whereas the majority of Red Ball Express drivers were 
     African-Americans;
       Whereas the success of the Allied advance through France 
     was made possible by the soldiers who drove the supply 
     trucks; and
       Whereas the members of the Army Motor Transport Brigade who 
     participated in the Red Ball Express contributed unselfishly 
     to the war effort despite the indignities and double 
     standards that they endured: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress honors the members of the Army 
     Motor Transport Brigade who during World War II served in the 
     trucking operation known as the Red Ball Express for their 
     service and contribution to the Allied advance following the 
     D-Day invasion in Normandy, France.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Hunter) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larsen) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter).


                             General Leave

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, when called to prosecute a war, Americans have always 
brought a number of important qualities to the war fight. Leadership, 
courage, teamwork and commitment are but a few examples of the inherent 
characteristics of American warriors that make us a feared adversary. 
One only has to look at the record of our forces fighting in Iraq today 
to understand that our society is still producing men and women who 
have the ``right stuff.''
  I would suggest that another vital warfighting skill that is a great 
American strength is the ability to organize. While the present day 
military can cite many examples of superb achievements in organization, 
House Concurrent Resolution 439 reminds us of one of the great examples 
of military organization from World War II, the Red Ball Express, and 
the great Americans who made it work to defeat Nazi tyranny.
  The Red Ball Express was the massive effort to resupply Allied armies 
as they advanced through Europe after D-Day. Following the breakout 
from Normandy and the French hedgerow country at the end of July 1944, 
the First Army under General Bradley and the Third Army under General 
Patton began to race north and east from St. Lo, France. I might add, 
Mr. Speaker, that Helen Tracy, who was General Patton's secretary in 
World War II and was with him when he died in Germany shortly after the 
war, is a member of my staff and we are very proud of Helen. I hope 
that she is watching this order with respect to the Red Ball Express.
  In this first 100 percent internal combustion engine war, gasoline 
was the key to continued success on the battlefield. As U.S. and French 
troops entered Paris at the end of August 1944, the two armies were 
consuming 800,000 gallons of gasoline each day and had exhausted their 
reserve supplies.
  On August 21, 1944, the Army Motor Transport Service responded to the 
challenge with a trucking operation called the Red Ball Express. Within 
days, over 900 trucks were trekking the 700 miles round trip from St. 
Lo to Paris and the front lines to the northeast carrying the gasoline, 
ammunition and other supplies needed to keep the armies on the move. At 
a speed of 25 miles per hour and distance of 60 yards apart, the trucks 
moved 24 hours a day along the dedicated route marked with red balls, 
an old railroad symbol for priority freight. By mid-November, when the 
operation ended, the Red Ball Express truckers had delivered over 
410,000 tons of gas, oil, lubricants, ammunition, food and other 
essentials using nearly 6,000 vehicles at the peak of operations. This 
amazing example of organization only became a reality because those 
6,000 trucks were driven by men who possessed all those other qualities 
I mentioned earlier, leadership, courage, teamwork and commitment. 
Fatigue, weather and enemy ground and air attacks all took their toll, 
but these men were determined not to let General Patton or General 
Bradley down. They knew what was at stake and they were in the fight as 
much as any combat soldier.
  Three-quarters of those soldiers driving that hazardous route were 
African Americans serving in segregated truck companies and 
quartermaster units. Most of these dedicated men would have preferred 
to be assigned combat duties, but they were denied that opportunity. 
Notwithstanding having been dealt a hand not of their own choosing, 
they accepted the role they had been given and did it with a warrior's 
spirit, a spirit that we would now recognize as authentically American.
  The men that refused to allow the Red Ball Express to fail, and 
particularly those who were African American, deserve more than a 
footnote in our military history. The outstanding performance of the 
African Americans who endured the dangers and hardships of the Red Ball 
Express was a source of great pride and reflected credit on their race 
during a time when few chose to acknowledge their immense contribution 
to the war effort.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice 
Johnson) for introducing this resolution. The Red Ball Express was a 
great moment in our country's military history. I am grateful for the 
opportunity to speak on the issue.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this 
concurrent resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 439. 
Introduced by the gentlewoman from Texas, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson, 
this bill honors the participants of the ``Red Ball Express'', an Army 
Motor Transport Brigade that served during World War II.
  The Red Ball Express was the code name of a huge convoy operation 
which began on August 21, 1944, to provide provisions and

[[Page H3903]]

supplies to American and Allied soldiers fighting their way across 
Europe following their successful landing at Normandy.
  The convoy system stretched from Normandy to Paris and eventually to 
the front of the northeastern borderland of France. The 82-day convoy 
got its name because the route that was used was marked with red balls.
  Members of the Army Motor Transportation Brigade that comprised the 
Red Ball Express were constantly on the road. An average day for these 
dedicated troops meant 900 fully loaded vehicles driving around the 
clock. These trucks often traveled during the night in blackout 
conditions at speeds higher than 25 miles an hour to meet the growing 
demand for food and supplies, all while facing constant threats from 
ground ambushes and aerial bombing by the enemy.
  What is most remarkable about the Red Ball Express are the soldiers 
who served in this brigade. Nearly seventy-five percent of the drivers 
were African-Americans who were denied the opportunity to serve in 
combat units, and whose families and loved ones were being denied the 
very freedoms and rights that they were fighting for in Europe.
  Yet, these patriotic Americans persevered and succeeded. Many stories 
were written about their achievements, and their ability to overcome 
obstacles. These dedicated soldiers truly ``shocked and awed'' all 
those who depended upon them. At the peak of the Red Ball Express a 
round trip took nearly 54 hours and stretched nearly 400 miles to the 
First army.
  When the Red Ball Express ended in mid-November 1944, over 412,000 
tons of fuel, ammunition, food and other essential supplies had been 
delivered to troops on the front line. The success of the American and 
Allied offensive in France was due to the achievements of these 
outstanding soldiers.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution that 
honor the members of the Red Ball Express for their service during 
World War II.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman 
from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), the prime sponsor of this 
resolution.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the 
leadership of this committee for facilitating the bringing of this 
resolution to the floor. I rise in strong support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 439 and encourage my colleagues to join me.
  June 6 marked the 60th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of 
World War II that marked a decisive moment in the defeat of Hitler and 
Nazi Germany. While we commemorate the valiant heroics and sacrifices 
of the individuals who fought to preserve our liberty, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing a group whose contributions have 
existed in the shadows since 1944, the Army Motor Transport Service, 
code named the Red Ball Express. The Red Ball Express, a predominantly 
African-American outfit, was a massive 82-day convoy effort that 
supplied the Allied armies moving through Europe. The convoy system 
expressed from St. Lo in Normandy to Paris and eventually to the front 
along France's northeastern borderland.
  Persevering through arduous driving conditions and ambushes, members 
of the Red Ball Express performed their duties with utmost precision 
and efficiency. Their dedication sustained thousands of Allied troops 
during some of the most difficult periods of World War II. When the 
program ended in mid-November 1944, Red Ball truckers had delivered 
nearly 500,000 tons of fuel, lubricants, ammunition, food and other 
vital essentials needed for Allied success within the European theater.
  In spite of the indignities, putdowns and double standards that they 
endured, members of the Red Ball Express contributed unselfishly to 
winning this century's greatest fight for freedom. I met several of 
them during the World War II celebration here this past Memorial Day 
holiday who are very proud of being a part of this group. Historically, 
no group of Americans endured what African Americans endured in uniform 
during World War II. They proudly defended America with no guarantee 
that their own freedom would be defended on their return home. This 
Nation's debt to African-American servicemen and women who served under 
those conditions can never be fully repaid but at a minimum we should 
certainly honor their service.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in bringing this group's 
contributions out of the shadows and support House Concurrent 
Resolution 439.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, to reiterate, I do also urge 
support on our side of the aisle for H. Con. Res. 439.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I want to thank the gentleman from Washington and the gentlewoman 
from Texas for such an articulate description of what these great 
public servants did for our country.
  I am reminded also, Mr. Speaker, I checked with our contractors the 
other day. In Iraq right now, we have private contractors like the 
gentleman who just escaped from the terrorists driving those trucks 
through Ambush Alley as they come up through Iraq facing those deadly 
IEDs, and RPG and AK-47 attacks. I am reminded that some 37 of those 
contractors from one company, from Halliburton, who were bringing 
supplies and food to our people up in northern Iraq have been killed in 
action so far. That is a dangerous, deadly run.
  By the same token, it was a dangerous and deadly run in World War II. 
Keeping that gasoline in those tanks so that that spearhead of steel 
could continue to drive the Nazis back was everything. Being able to 
continue the momentum from the landing at Normandy and the hedgerow 
fighting was an absolute key to our victory. Once again, I want to 
thank the gentlewoman for her very articulate support of this 
resolution and the gentleman from Washington.
  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, this year commemorates the 60th 
anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal point in World War II and a unique 
moment in time when coordination and valor forged unprecedented 
advancement of the Allied forces against the Axis powers. As we 
remember the courageous veterans whose foresight and sacrifice brought 
about a landmark in the struggle for Democracy, I rise today to honor 
the Motor Transport Service, code named the ``Red Ball Express.'' The 
heroism of the lesser-known group of veterans has been under-
celebrated, but their impact is eternally felt.
  For 82 long days, fighting adverse driving conditions and sleep 
depravation, the men of the Red Ball Express transported 500,000 tons 
of fuel and ordinance to forward depots throughout France. Though this 
immense effort lasted only three months, from August 25 to November 16, 
1944, the mission of the Motor Transport Service was perhaps the most 
crucial to the capture of occupied France. This massive convoy effort 
afforded the Allied troops the means and mobility to successfully 
complete the campaign in the European Theater.
  Composed of 80 percent African Americans, the men of the Red Ball 
Express met the most uncertain of risks to defend the freedom we 
cherish today. The altruism of these men in service is astounding. 
Their vision and hope for all humanity, during those 82 days, broke 
through barricades of tyranny and ignorance to bring liberty to new 
heights.
  Colonel John S.D. Eisenhower wrote of their noble behavior; ``the 
Spectacular nature of the advance was due in as great a measure to the 
men who drove the Red Ball trucks as to those who drove the tanks.''
  It is when extraordinary conflict has plagued our Nation, that we 
have witnessed the most astonishing acts towards peace--when the ideals 
of country have been tirelessly challenged, that the firmest of 
principles have forged a clear path. And it is when soldiers have faced 
disheartening adversity, that patriots have shown unabated courage of 
heart. Despite hardship and slight, the men of the ``Red Ball Express'' 
acted bravely in a time of fear and unselfishly in this unique moment 
in history when they were needed the most.
  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 439, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution, as 
amended, was agreed to.
  The title of the concurrent resolution was amended so as to read: 
``Concurrent resolution honoring the members of the Army Motor 
Transport Brigade who during World War II served in the trucking 
operation known as the Red Ball Express for their service and 
contribution to the Allied advance following the D-Day invasion of 
Normandy, France.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

[[Page H3904]]



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