[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING HARRY L. BEGLE, HERNANDO COUNTY, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor an American hero, Harry L. Begle of Brooksville, Florida. A 
decorated war veteran, Lieutenant Begle's service to our nation will 
forever be remembered by this Congress.
  Born in Lexington, Virginia, Lt. Begle graduated from Fork Union 
Military Academy in 1943 and entered WW II soon thereafter.
  He served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division and an 
Assistant Platoon Leader with the H Company 3rd Battalion in the 506th 
Parachute Division. While deployed outside of Bastogne, Belgium, Lt. 
Begle's platoon came under attack by a German Infantry. To describe 
that moment, Lt. Begle said, it was then that ``all hell broke loose''. 
During the battle, Lt. Begle's hand was struck by a bullet, and his 
upper body was struck by shrapnel from an artillery shell explosion. 
The blast caused wounds in his neck and left him in a British Military 
hospital for several months. Lt. Begle received a Bronze Star and a 
Purple Heart for his courageous actions in battle.
  Despite his wounds and time spent away from the front lines, Lt. 
Begle returned to serve his country abroad once again in 1945, This 
time in Austria. He was later transferred to the 82nd Airborne Division 
when the Pacific ended.
  In 1946, he returned home. He marched in the WW II victory parade in 
New York where he was greeted with a heroes welcome. He served as a 
reservist until 1949 when he was honorably discharged.
  Long after his military days had passed, he continued to protect his 
fellow Americans, serving as a Washington D.C. Police Officer for 23 
years; he retired in 1972.
  Madam Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Harry L. Begle; a beloved 
and decorated American hero. On behalf of a grateful nation, this 
Congress, his family and friends, I thank him for his service and 
sacrifice to our country.

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