[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 154 (Tuesday, November 30, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2013-E2014] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING JAMES J. BOLLICH AS 2010 AMERICAN LEGION POST 241 LEGIONNAIRE OF THE YEAR ______ HON. CHARLES W. BOUSTANY, JR. of louisiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, November 30, 2010 Mr. BOUSTANY. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize Sergeant James J. Bollich who was recently named Legionnaire of the Year by American Legion Post 241 in Lafayette, Louisiana. Sergeant Bollich served this Nation with honor and distinction, and has lived an exemplary American life worthy of approbation. Sergeant Bollich was born in the small farm community of Mowata and attended college at [[Page E2014]] Southwestern Louisiana Institute, now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. His time there was cut short, as in 1940 he joined the Army Air Corps at Barksdale Field in Shreveport, and participated in the Louisiana Maneuvers in 1941. His squadron was sent overseas, where he fought for the defense of the Philippines. Serving as an infantryman during the Battle of Bataan, Bollich was captured by the Japanese and was forced to participate in the Bataan Death March as a prisoner of war. Despite the cruelty endured at the hands of his captors, and the thousands of deaths of his fellow servicemen he witnessed, Bollich bravely persevered and survived. He ultimately spent three and a half years at the Japanese POW camp in San Fernando before he and his fellow survivors were freed by the Russian Army in 1945. After his harrowing ordeal, he returned to the United States and returned to college. Upon graduating, he worked as a subsurface petroleum geologist until his retirement. He has written several books, including ``A Soldier's Story'' which told his story of his time as a prisoner of war. For his courage in the face of unimaginable hardship, he received several commendations and medals, including the Bronze Star, the Victory Medal, and the POW medal. In addition to this, he was recently inducted to the Louisiana Veterans Hall of Honor. He has sacrificed much for his country, and should serve as an example and a reminder of true patriotism to this Nation. It goes without saying that Sergeant James J. Bollich is very deserving of the honor of being named American Legion Post 241's Legionnaire of the Year. His story is one of bravery and dedication, and I am honored to serve as his member of Congress. He is part of our ``Greatest Generation'' and my words cannot express the gratitude we should all show to those who served in World War II. I wholeheartedly thank Sergeant Bollich for his service to the United States, and I congratulate him on this most recent honor. ____________________