[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 146 (Monday, October 3, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6046-S6047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THEODORE M. DOLNEY

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I honor Theodore M. Dolney, a 
veteran of World War II and a member of this Nation's Greatest 
Generation.
  Mr. Dolney, on behalf of all Montanans and all Americans, I stand to 
say ``thank you'' for your service to this Nation.
  I am proud to share Mr. Dolney's story of heroism, because like so 
many others, it is a story that should never be forgotten.
  Ted Dolney joined the Army in April of 1941, after spending the first 
19 years of his life growing up on his family farm in Glenville, SD. 
After training, the Army sent Mr. Dolney to northern Africa. In 
February of 1943, German troops captured him and took him as a prisoner 
of war.
  Mr. Dolney spent 27 months more than 2 years of his life imprisoned 
by Nazis. Mr. Dolney was moved from place to place in Germany. 
Conditions were cruel and brutal. Food was scarce. In fact, Mr. Dolney 
says many American POWs would have died if it had not been for 
supplemental food packages sent by the Red Cross.
  Because Mr. Dolney knew how to speak German, and because he had the 
strength to work as a POW on railroads, he sometimes got extra food.
  On the eve of the invasion of Normandy, some of the prisoners 
smuggled in a radio. Hours later, they heard news of the allies landing 
in France.
  Months later, when Germany lost the war, the Nazi guards simply ran 
away. Mr. Dolney and the others left on foot to find help. After 
walking several days, they finally encountered American soldiers. And 
they were sent home as heroes.
  Ted Dolney returned to the United States. He moved to Montana where 
he met Darlene, his wife of 50 years. He worked for three decades as a 
lineman for the Rural Electrification Administration.
  But Mr. Dolney never received recognition for his service and 
sacrifice as

[[Page S6047]]

a Prisoner of War in World War II. And throughout his life, he never 
complained.
  In 1973, his military records were destroyed by a fire in St. Louis.
  But after his family reached out to my office, we were able to secure 
the medals Mr. Dolney never received.
  Last month, I had the honor of presenting to Ted, a Bronze Star, and 
a European-African-Middle-Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze 
Service Stars.
  It was also my honor to present an American Defense Service Medal, 
and a World War II Victory Medal.
  Last month I also presented to Ted: a Combat Infantryman Badge First 
Award, a Good Conduct Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button, 
World War II.
  These seven medals are 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.

                          ____________________