[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 95 (Tuesday, June 23, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S6936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      THE NINE LOTHSPEICH BROTHERS

 Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, there is no State in the Union that 
is prouder of its military heritage than North Dakota. When I began the 
North Dakota Veterans History Project a few years ago to record the 
stories of our veterans for future generations, the outpouring of 
interest around the State resulted in more than 1,500 interviews.
  In the past, I have spoken in this Chamber about the nine North 
Dakota soldiers who earned Medals of Honor during a single campaign in 
the 1899 Philippine Insurrection, about the famed 164th Infantry 
Regiment of the North Dakota National Guard, about the ``Happy 
Hooligans'' of the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Fighter 
Wing, and about Woody Keeble who won the Medal of Honor for his heroism 
in Korea.
  Today, I would like to tell you about some more North Dakota military 
heroes. On July 4 of this year, the city of Park River, ND, is going to 
devote part of its 125th anniversary celebration to recognizing the 
military service of a truly remarkable North Dakota ``band of 
brothers.''
  In 1920, Edward Lothspeich of Langdon, ND, married Rose Dirkes of 
Sauk Centre, MN. They settled in Wales, ND, where Ed managed a lumber 
yard. In time, Ed and Rose Lothspeich became the proud parents of nine 
sons and one daughter.
  The nine Lothspeich brothers hold a unique record in the history of 
the State of North Dakota. Each one of them served in U.S. Armed 
Forces. That is most from any single family in our State.
  Let me tell you a bit about each of them.
  Eugene Lothspeich, the eldest son, served in the Army from 1942 to 
1945. He was a machine gunner with the 337th Infantry Regiment through 
three campaigns in Italy. He received the Purple Heart for wounds 
received in the Apennines.
  Harold served in the Army from 1943 to 1946. He served in the Pacific 
theater and saw combat on the islands of Leyte and Luzon.
  Edward served in the Navy from 1943 to 1946. He was a machinist's 
mate and repaired damaged ships while stationed in Hawaii and San 
Diego, CA.
  Donald was inducted in the Army in 1950 and served for 2 years in 
Germany.
  Gerald was drafted into the Army in 1950 and was stationed at Fort 
Lewis, WA, for 2 years, except for a short period when he was sent to 
Nevada to support nuclear weapons testing.
  Lyle was inducted in the Army in 1951. He served in Hawaii, Iceland, 
and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he was a rifle 
instructor.
  Marlin served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He served in Japan 
in the Air Force Medical Service Corps.
  Franklin entered the Army in 1955. He served in Germany as a tank 
gunner.
  Leon, the youngest of the nine Lothspeich brothers, served in the 
Army from 1954 to 1957. He was stationed in Germany where he worked 
with guided missiles.
  From World War II, through the Korean conflict and into the early 
years of the Cold War, Leon, Eugene, Harold, Edward, Donald, Gerald, 
Lyle, Marlin, and Franklin Lothspeich served with honor and bravery. 
These nine men, a ``band of brothers,'' made many sacrifices for the 
safety and freedom of our country and the world.
  Today I want to particularly honor three of the brothers who are 
still with us: Lyle, Marlin, and Franklin.
  Our Nation is what it is today because of the soldiers, sailors, and 
airmen like the Lothspeich brothers who were willing to leave their 
homes so many years ago and travel around the world to protect our 
freedom. They did it without complaint and without question. They loved 
their country.
  There is a verse that goes, ``When the night is full of knives, and 
the lightning is seen, and the drums are heard, the patriots are always 
there, ready to fight and ready to die, if necessary, for freedom.'' 
These brothers I have just described are true patriots.
  The story of the nine Lothspeich bothers is a remarkable one. It 
illustrates the strength of character and hardy determination that has 
served America so well for so many years. The Lothspeich brothers loved 
their country and answered the call of duty. They stood up for America, 
and I am honored to salute their service today in the Senate.

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