[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 40 (Friday, April 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E595-E596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF STAFF SERGEANT EUGENE WELSH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 8, 2005

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Eugene Welsh. 
During World War II, Eugene Welsh served for 19 months in the Asia-
Pacific Theater with the U.S. Army's 19th Infantry Regiment. In one 
single battle, he rose from the rank of private to staff sergeant and 
went on to fight in four more major combat actions. As a squad leader, 
he directed 12 men in combat. During his service, he received numerous 
wounds and each time was patched up and returned to duty.
  Staff Sergeant Welsh's commitment to the United States Army and his 
fellow soldiers is truly commendable. Among the awards he received are 
the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge. His 
actions during the Second World War exemplify the spirit of the 
infantry soldier go well beyond the call of duty and deserve nothing 
less than the highest recognition and honors.
  Helping ease the burden of combat was a friend back home, Bettye 
Cavazos. The two wrote to each other as often as possible. Following 
the war, on June 14, 1946 the two were married and settled in Ceres, 
California where they raised two sons, Michael and Ronald. Ronald is 
now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Welsh have eight grandchildren and seven 
great grandchildren.
  After the war, Mr. Welsh committed his life to his family and 
community. He was the owner of Ceres Body Shop and Towing for many 
years. During the 1950s he served as

[[Page E596]]

the commander of the American Legion's Ceres Post and was the Boys 
State chairman numerous times.
  Among his recognitions and honors are Ceres Citizen of the Year, 
Rotarian of the Year and Stanislaus County Senior of the Year for the 
5th District.
  Mr. Speaker, it is among the finest traditions and honors to rise 
today and recognize Mr. Welsh. His commitment to our nation, our 
community and his family sets an example we all should seek to follow. 
I wish he and his family all the best.

                          ____________________