[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 156 (Thursday, December 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO ARNOLD DEBRICK

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                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 2, 2010

  Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me take this means to recognize an 
American veteran, Arnold Debrick of Paola, Kansas, for his heroic 
service during WWII. On Sunday, December 5, 2010, Mr. Debrick will be 
awarded the French Legion of Honor for his extraordinary bravery in 
liberating France during WWII. The French Legion of Honor was founded 
by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, and it is the highest distinction that 
France can bestow upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for the 
country. Mr. Debrick served in France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and 
Germany, and participated in the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central 
Europe battles, including the Battle of the Bulge, and the liberation 
of Buchenwald, a German Nazi concentration camp outside of Weimar, 
Germany.
  In the summer of 1944, at the age of 19 and meager weight of 125 
pounds, Mr. Debrick enlisted in the United States Army. On New Year's 
Eve, 1944, he boarded the Queen Mary in New York's harbor and departed 
the United States. He sailed across the Atlantic to combat an evil the 
likes of which had never been seen in modern history. During the chaos 
of war and beneath a barrage of mortar fire, Mr. Debrick was separated 
from his original unit but was able to hop onto the back of an American 
chow truck, which led him to Company B of the 9th Armored Infantry 
Battalion of the 6th Armored Division, United States Army.
  After weeks of grueling battle in the dead of an unforgiving winter, 
an officer noticed Debrick's feet had turned completely black. He was 
sent to the hospital in Metz, France, and it was determined he had 
trench foot. Each day, then Private First Class Debrick waited 
anxiously in the hospital bed with his feet elevated; he feared he 
would share the similar fate that many of his brothers in arms had met 
and would face amputation. Yet, his faith was unyielding and partial 
circulation eventually returned to his feet. After many days, he was 
able to rejoin his outfit. To this day, Mr. Debrick says that his feet 
getting cold is a constant reminder to give thanks to God for not only 
saving his feet but his life as well. To all of us in this grateful 
nation, Mr. Debrick's cold feet should also serve as a solemn reminder 
of the many sacrifices our brave men and women in uniform endure and 
that we will forever be indebted to them for the freedoms and many 
blessings we have in America.
  Just as France will recognize Mr. Debrick's exceptional service and 
sacrifices this coming Sunday, it is also fitting and appropriate that 
we do so today as one grateful nation. Mr. Debrick's bravery is 
admirable and inspiring and I am honored to acknowledge his service 
during WWII. I trust that the Members of the House will join me in 
thanking him.

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