[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 131 (Tuesday, November 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF ABRAHAM LAZAR ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY 
                              CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2004

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the achievements of 
Abraham Lazar, a great American and longtime resident of New York. On 
Sunday, November 7, 2004, Abraham's many friends, family and colleagues 
gathered in his current hometown of Lake Worth, Florida to celebrate 
his 80th birthday. Birthdays are a time for reflection, and I feel that 
it is fitting to pay tribute to this truly remarkable man. Abraham 
Lazar served his country with distinction, both in the U.S. naval 
service and in civilian life. I am privileged to be able to share some 
of his more memorable exploits with you.
  Mr. Lazar and his ten brothers and sisters were born and raised in 
Brooklyn, New York. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School and 
graduated shortly after the United States entered World War II. At the 
age of seventeen, Abe enlisted in the Navy and quickly established a 
distinguished service record.
  Abe served in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters of battle. Mr. 
Lazar participated in the Battle of Peleliu, a struggle for a tiny 
airstrip amid the Palau Islands of the Western Pacific. Despite the 
island's small size, the battle for Peleliu lasted nearly two months 
and claimed more than 12,000 lives. Allied forces ultimately prevailed 
and captured the island, but Mr. Lazar was severely wounded in the 
battle. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice.
  Abe received another Purple Heart during the war, this time for his 
service in the Atlantic. I understand that Mr. Lazar's landing craft 
was sunk in the North Atlantic by a German U-Boat. Abe was forced 
overboard, and the fleeing submarine strafed his life raft with 
gunfire; despite these incredible dangers, Abe managed to survive, 
spending nearly twelve hours in open water before he was rescued. For 
his heroic service, Abe was promoted to Chief Motor Machinist's Mate, 
one of the highest ranks to which an enlisted sailor can be named.
  After the war, Abe attended New York University and received a 
bachelor's degree, with honors, in engineering. In civilian life, Mr. 
Lazar worked with noted scientist Wernher von Braun to develop the 
Pershing missile system and was also employed by the Bulova Corporation 
to design and manufacture missile timing devices. Mr. Lazar is 
currently enjoying a well-deserved retirement in Florida, where he 
lives with his wife of 56 years, Anita.
  Mr. Speaker, I request that my colleagues join me in honoring Abraham 
Lazar's lifetime of service to our nation. I'm sure that Abe's family, 
longtime friends and colleagues will join me in wishing him many more 
years of happiness. Happy birthday, Mr. Lazar.

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