[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 160 (Monday, October 22, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING BILL MALARKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ZACHARY T. SPACE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 22, 2007

  Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bill Malarkey of 
Greenfield, Ohio. This gentleman, a combat veteran of the Second World 
War, served on the front lines of battles that shaped the course of 
American history. I share his story to pay homage to his bravery, and 
to remind Congress and fellow Americans that true heroes walk among us 
every day.
  Mr. Malarkey was a member of the 147th Engineer Combat Battalion, C 
Company. His unit was among the very first wave of fighters who stormed 
the now-infamous shores of Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944. His efforts 
helped establish the D1 Exit, a route to capture Vierville-sur-Mer, and 
a path to advance into Europe. Though he survived, many of Mr. 
Malarkey's compatriots perished in the fight.
  Already a hero, Bill Malarkey went on to fight in the Battle of the 
Bulge. Though Allied forces suffered heavy losses in this battle as 
well, it ultimately proved our strength and resolve. The Axis' failure 
in this attack was a turning point in the war and marked the last major 
offensive of Nazi forces.
  After helping to secure victory for the United States and Allied 
forces in World War II, Mr. Malarkey returned home to southeast Ohio, 
where he built a small home in rural Ross County and served as a truck 
driver. But his courage and sacrifice were not forgotten, and those who 
have been touched by him were compelled to contact me with his story, 
as I am obliged to share it with you now.
  Our history books tell us that the Battle of Normandy established the 
foothold that allowed Allied forces to confront Adolf Hitler's swarming 
dictatorship of hate. We know that the Battle of the Bulge was his 
last-ditch attempt to divide the Allied forces. As a Congressman, a 
member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, an Ohioan, and an 
American, I recognize Mr. Bill Malarkey today to remind others that 
these historic victories, these bold affirmations of our freedoms, were 
built on the uncommon courage of men like Bill Malarkey.

                          ____________________