[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO STAFF SERGEANT RICHARD A. BOETTCHER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2006

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
patriotism and self sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Richard A. Boettcher of 
Greeley, Colorado because of his service to our country during World 
War II.
  Boettcher was drafted into the U.S. Army his senior year of high 
school in 1945 and sent to Ft. Joseph T. Robinson, Arkansas for basic 
training. At first, his training focused on fighting the Germans in 
Europe, but when the European war ended, he was transferred to Camp 
Maxey, Texas. This camp trained soldiers to fight the Japanese in 
house-to-house combat in anticipation of a ground invasion of Japan.
  After his training was completed, he was shipped to the Pacific with 
the intent to join up in Okinawa with an infantry division known as 
``Timber Wolf.'' This group had fought in Europe and had been sent to 
Okinawa to invade Japan. Yet shortly before Boettcher arrived, 
President Harry Truman ordered the dropping of two atomic bombs, and 
Japan surrendered shortly thereafter.
  Instead of fighting his way into Japan, Boettcher became part of the 
occupation force. He worked in an office position and was responsible 
for preparing payroll for over 500 military personnel using a small 
Royal typewriter. In rank he started as a Private 1st Class and rose to 
Staff Sergeant in less than one year. He returned home to Lincoln, 
Nebraska in October of 1946.
  Boettcher attended the University of Nebraska for two years and then 
transferred to the University of Northern Colorado to complete his 
education. He continued to serve his country as a member of the 
Colorado Nation Guard and received a commission in 1953.
  After owning a business for 46 years, Boettcher retired in Greeley, 
Colorado with his wife Irene of 58 years. Boettcher has three children, 
seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Mr. Boettcher and the other 
men and women who have given so much for our freedom. Like so many 
other members of his generation, Mr. Boettcher set aside his ambitions 
in service to our nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in expressing 
my heartfelt gratitude, sincere appreciation, and utmost respect for 
the patriotic service of Mr. Richard A. Boettcher.

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