[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 154 (Tuesday, November 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2005]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF GEORGE BALTZER OSBORNE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM MATHESON

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 30, 2010

  Mr. MATHESON. Madam Speaker, today I would like to honor an exemplary 
individual. As a young man, Mr. George Baltzer Osborne of the State of 
Utah valiantly sacrificed to serve his country during World War II. 
Born in 1920, we commemorated his 90th birthday on November 7. At this 
time, I'd like to recognize him and his comrades as members of ``The 
Greatest Generation'' and thank them most sincerely for their brave and 
selfless service.
  Mr. Osborne joined the Marines during WWII and began an eventful 
history in the service as a CB operator. He trained at Camp Pendleton, 
where he was assigned to the 4th division and stationed in Hawaii. From 
there, he was sent to Iwo Jima. When his division landed, Mr. Osborne 
was an integral part of a group of eight Marines whose mission was to 
find high ground in order to radio ship's bombing orders. During his 
service, Mr. Osborne consistently put his life on the line. At one 
point, a grenade was launched into a foxhole he had just evacuated. 
Fittingly, Mr. Osborne was present on February 23, 1945, when the 
American flag was raised atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo 
Jima. This timeless symbol represents our country's strength and more 
personally, Mr. Osborne's dedication.
  Even after active military service, Mr. Osborne continued to serve 
his country. After being discharged, he worked three jobs so his wife 
could stay home and raise their 12 children. Mr. Osborne spent many 
years devoted to his work as an administrator at the VA hospital. He 
loves his family, which has grown to 21 children, 36 grandchildren, 26 
great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
  George Baltzer Osborne's sacrifice, bravery, and service to family, 
career, and country serve as hallmarks of a noble American life. We 
recognize him today and express our gratitude for his contributions to 
this great country, the United States of America.

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