[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 30 (Monday, February 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING STEVEN FRANK LaVALLIE FOR SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II

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                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2008

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor a man who served with honor and distinction in World War II, and 
who was taken from us in battle much too soon. Following his induction 
into the Army in 1942, Steven LaVallie served outside the continental 
United States in the cause of freedom and liberty against the Axis 
powers. While he fought bravely for the better part of 2 years, Mr. 
LaVallie was sadly killed in action fighting the Germans in France on 
October 28, 1944.
  Originally hailing from Montville, Connecticut, Mr. LaVallie 
eventually earned his GED certificate. In addition to his marriage to 
his wife Elsie and the birth of his son Steven J. LaVallie, Mr. 
LaVallie was an active member of the Masonic Fraternal Organization. I 
was very honored to present his son, Mr. Steven J. LaVallie of Wesley 
Chapel, Florida with his father's posthumous Purple Heart in a ceremony 
earlier this month.
  While Mr. LaVallie did not make it home from the front lines of World 
War II, his contributions to world freedom and liberty will never be 
forgotten. He may have been taken from his family too soon, but his son 
and dearly departed widow Elsie LaVallie should know that he gave his 
life so that others might be free.
  Madam Speaker, soldiers like Steven Frank LaVallie should be 
recognized for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and 
sacrifices in battle. I am honored to present Mr. LaVallie's son with 
his long overdue Purple Heart earned on the battlefields of France so 
many years ago. All Floridians should know that we truly consider him 
one of America's heroes.

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