[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 130 (Tuesday, September 6, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S5334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING PETER SCHNEIDER

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I honor CPL Peter Schneider 
and his service to the U.S. Army during World War II.
  At the age of 17, Corporal Schneider's parents passed away and he was 
left to raise two younger siblings. Although he didn't have to go to 
war, he believed it was his calling. And his older brother agreed to 
take care of the children.
  On July 3, 1944, Corporal Schneider was severely wounded by German 
troops in Livry, France. His wounds were so severe he spent 4 years 
recovering in a hospital. The attack left Mr. Schneider 100 percent 
disabled. But that didn't stop him from working the rest of his life 
after the war.
  Corporal Schneider received a Purple Heart for his sacrifice. His 
daughter Marlene keeps the medal in her home as a memorial. But after 
some research, Marlene discovered her father never received all the 
recognition he earned for his service in World War II.
  A full year before he was wounded, Corporal Schneider served in the 
41st Armored Infantry Division under General Patton. And in July of 
1943, he was part of the first wave of Allied Forces--the tip of the 
spear--to storm Sicily and liberate Palermo.
  After reaching out to me, we discovered that for his heroism in that 
significant part of the war, Corporal Schneider earned two more 
important medals.
  Last month I had the honor of presenting to his family CPL Peter 
Schneider's Bronze Star and European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign 
Medal.
  These may be small tokens, but they are powerful symbols of true 
heroism, sacrifice, and dedication to service.
  These medals are presented on behalf of a grateful nation.
  Peter Schneider passed away in 1999 having never seen these medals. 
But they will be part of his family's history forever.

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