[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 52 (Thursday, May 4, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E726-E727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF ROBERT JAMES WIDMER, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2006

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who 
can only be described as truly American, Robert James Widmer, Sr. who 
passed away on Monday, May 1, 2006, in Newark, Ohio, under the care of 
hospice.
  Mr. Robert James Widmer, Sr., 84, of Granville, Ohio, retired in 1985 
after 38 years in sales and management with Lederle Laboratories. Born 
July 9, 1921, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Elsie Hollice Pace Rubin and 
Girard Winfield Widmer, Mr. Widmer attended Toledo University, Columbia 
University and graduated from Haverford College.
  During World War II, Mr. Widmer served in the U.S. Army Air Corps 
from 1943 to 1946, and achieved the rank of Captain. He was assigned to 
the 454th Bombardment Group stationed in Italy and was shot down on his 
13th mission on April 13, 1944, over Budapest and became a POW in 
Stalag Luft III. For his dedication and bravery, Mr. Widmer received 
the following medals for service to his country: two purple hearts with 
two clusters, Presidential Unit Citation for 454th Bombardment Group, 
Prisoner of War Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and the European African 
Middle East Campaign Medal with four battle stars.
  Mr. Robert James Widmer, Sr., was a member of the Atlantis Country 
Club and Atlantis Golf Club, a founder and member of the 454th 
Bombardment Group, member of the Caterpillar Club, VFW, American 
Legion, Disabled American Officers, Former Prisoners of War at Stalag 
Luft III, Ex-Prisoners of War, Licking County SCORE, and a member and 
Elder of the First Presbyterian Church (USA).
  This all-American man is survived by his loving wife Janet Clark 
Widmer; his daughters, Deborah A. Lewicki, Judith N. Widmer, and Nancy 
J. Freeman; his son, Robert J. Widmer, Jr. of Argyle, Texas in the 26th 
Congressional District; and five grandchildren, Aaron and David 
Lewicki, and Jay, Jocelyn and Jimmy Widmer.
  Today, we honor Robert James Widmer, Sr., for his commitment to the 
safety of his country, his passion for life and the love of his family. 
He will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity to others. 
May he continue to serve as a role model for others in the future.

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