[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                515TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION OF WWII

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                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 19, 2007

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I wish to extend my appreciation to the 
515th Field Artillery Battalion of World War II as they reunite for the 
first time since the end of the war. These men of the 515th represent 
the best of the greatest generation.
  Composed of officers and enlisted men from various units around the 
United States, the 515th was trained to operate the 155mm ``Long Tom'' 
guns. From the time that it fired its first rounds in combat until 
nearly the end of the war, the unit was constantly on the move and 
involved in combat, supporting various units. Moving steadily 
northward, the unit finally crossed the Rhine River on a heavy pontoon 
bridge at Worms, Germany. From here the battalion moved south to the 
area of Heidelberg and then north again toward the area of Birkenfeld. 
It was reported that during the month of March the battalion traveled a 
distance of 557 miles, 153 miles of which were during combat. The 515th 
fired 3,122 rounds of ammunition during this time.
  The 515th rarely stayed in any one place for more than a day or two. 
Movement was not fast and generally cumbersome since the tractors 
pulling the ``Long Toms'' moved at only about 30 miles per hour. Once 
an area was designated it would sometimes take as much as a day to set 
up all three gun batteries, coordinate their positions and lay 
communication lines between the individual guns and battery commands, 
and then from the battery commands to Headquarters. These men met 
monumental challenges every day, and courageously faced their obstacles 
and overcame them.
  The 515th Field Artillery Battalion will be remembered for their 
pivotal role in the United States achieving victory in World War II. 
These soldiers gave their heart and soul for our country. Their efforts 
will never be forgotten and their actions will always be remembered. 
And that's just the way it is.

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