[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 65 (Thursday, May 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E879]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND WORK OF JOHN GILMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2011

  Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life and work of 
John Gilman, a social justice and peace activist, author, decorated 
veteran and business owner. Mr. Gilman died on April 26, 2011, at the 
age of 90.
  Mr. Gilman was one of ten children born to Jewish immigrant parents 
in Chester, Pennsylvania. John Gilman put his beliefs into action at an 
early age, leading his high school classmates in a strike. They 
demanded a new school building due to overcrowding that caused students 
to attend in shifts.
  Mr. Gilman served as an infantryman in World War II and saw combat 
during the Allied advance into Germany. He was nominated for a Medal of 
Honor and awarded the Bronze and Silver Stars in addition to the 
Distinguished Service Cross for his exemplary service including 
``taking out'' a German pillbox and tank.
  A social activist throughout his life, he served as Executive 
Director of the Wisconsin Civil Rights Congress fighting against 
racism. He was one of the pioneers of humanitarian aid for Cuba, worked 
for nuclear disarmament and was an early local protestor against the 
Vietnam War. Mr. Gilman marched with Father James Groppi, Father Dismas 
Becker, and the Rev. Lucius Walker during Milwaukee's civil rights 
struggle. The flooring store he operated was firebombed in retaliation 
for his work. The grand dragon of the Illinois Ku Klux Klan was 
convicted in connection with the bombing.
  Mr. Gilman's politics came under scrutiny in the 1950s; he was twice 
called before the House Un-American Activities Committee for his 
involvement in organizations deemed to be Communist. Gilman refused to 
testify or implicate anyone else pleading the 5th Amendment and 
displaying his military medals in a large frame to the ire of his 
questioners.
  John Gilman's autobiography, Footsoldier for Peace and Justice 
details an amazing life and in his own words ``standing up against what 
he thought was wrong''. Mr. Gilman is survived by his wife Helen; 
daughters, Rose Corso and Jennifer Gilman; 2 sons, Herman and Glenn; a 
brother, Jack; and a sister, Edith Silverstein; grandchildren and 
great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Milwaukee and the country has experienced a profound 
loss with the passing of John Gilman. Mr. Gilman remained active almost 
until his death; I am proud to have called him friend. John Gilman was 
a true patriot understanding the turmoil of war firsthand through his 
honorable defense of his country but still fighting for peace because 
of his service. Today, I thank him and his family for their 
immeasurable achievements, I mourn his loss and I salute his legacy.

                          ____________________