[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING SAM SMITHSON ON HIS BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2006

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to honor 
Mr. Sam Smithson on his 94th birthday and to thank him for his 
dedication and service to our country.
  Born in Williamson County, Tennessee on October 4, 1912, Mr. Smithson 
was inducted into the Army as a Private First Class in December of 
1942.
  He fought bravely in major battles across Normandy, northern France, 
the Rhineland, and in the Ardennes as a member of B Company, 612th Tank 
Destroyer Battalion. On December 17, 1944, Pfc. Smithson was captured 
by German forces and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp, Stalag XIII-C, 
deep within Germany.
  After living in captivity under brutal conditions for nearly six 
months, the camp was liberated by Allied Forces on April 28, 1945. Mr. 
Smithson's heroism and determination in the face of adversity earned 
him a promotion to Corporal upon his discharge from the Army in October 
1945.
  Mr. Smithson and his late wife Fronie were married for 69 years and 
had one son, Sam Smithson, Jr. On Saturday, September 30th, Mr. 
Smithson's family and friends will gather to celebrate his 94th 
birthday.
  Sam's story is the American story. It's a testament to the 
determination and love of country that has kept us free for more than 
two centuries now. It's because of men like Sam that the American Dream 
lives. We thank God for his service to America, and it's right that we 
take time to reflect on his life and celebrate his 94th birthday.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in sending our thanks to 
Mr. Smithson for his service to our nation and our best wishes as he 
celebrates his birthday.

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