[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING JOHN T. ASDAL OF THE VILLAGES, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 2009

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor John T. Asdal of The Villages, Florida. Mr. Asdal later this week 
will reach a momentous milestone. He will celebrate his 90th birthday.
  John is a decorated veteran of the United States Army, serving from 
the 25th of May 1942 to the 11th of October 1945. He served with 
Company B, 1st Battalion 16th Infantry Regiment 1st Infantry Division 
in North Africa and Sicily. He served with Company H, 36th (Texas) 
Infantry Division in Italy.
  Mr. Asdal participated in four major battles with the 1st and 36th 
Divisions, Kasserine Pass, Mateur Tunisia, Rapido River Italy and Monte 
Cassino Italy. The professional skill and personal devotion displayed 
by Mr. Asdal was repeatedly recognized by the military and reflects his 
immense commitment and sacrifice.
  A rarity to be so decorated, John was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple 
Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign 
Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II 
Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button, and three Service Stars. 
His unit received Presidential Citations for Mateur Tunisia & Sicily, 
French Croix de Guerre for Kasserine, and an Arrowhead for Algeria 
French Morocco. Because of his extensive time on the front lines and 
immense sacrifice, Mr. Asdal was among the earliest troops to be able 
to return to the U.S. in 1944.
  I am honored to have such a decorated and respected citizen as a 
constituent. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring John T. 
Asdal for reaching his 90th birthday. I hope we all have the good 
fortune to live as long as a life and with such distinction as Mr. 
Asdal.

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