[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 62 (Thursday, May 18, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING VICTOR FONTANEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2006

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing 
United States Army Private Victor Fontanez, a soldier who exemplifies 
stellar qualities of dedication and service to Northwest Missouri and 
the United States of America in his service to our country in World War 
II. Beginning his service in January of 1941, Victor served with the 
honor and integrity that we have come to admire.
  In his military service during World War II, Victor landed in the 9th 
Infantry Division Company B 47th Infantry 1st Battalion engaged in the 
African section of the European Front. During an operation in April of 
1943 located in Tunisia, Private Fontanez took shrapnel fire and was 
rewarded the Purple Heart. After recovery he was transferred to the 
36th Infantry Division as a Combat Engineer in the Italian Campaign. 
After the liberation of Rome and victories throughout Italy, Victor and 
the 36th Infantry Division invaded Southern France on August 15, 1944.
  During this invasion of France by the 36th Infantry, Private Fontanez 
had witnessed the explosion of an Allied plane over the beach. The 
plane and crew crashed into a lagoon nearby and Private Fontanez acting 
without hesitation rescued some of the injured flight crew. It was this 
act of selflessness and bravery that earned Private Fontanez the 
Soldiers Medal for Heroism.
  Victor Fontanez's service to the United States of America in 
defending freedom will never be forgotten. His courage and dedication 
when his country needed him the most is something to be admired. I am 
honored to represent one of America's great heroes and I ask the United 
States Congress to join me in honoring his service.

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