[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 154 (Friday, October 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    AWARD FOR PRIVATE ERNEST WEDELL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT T. SCHILLING

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 14, 2011

  Mr. SCHILLING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of our brave 
warfighters, Mr. Ernest Wedell. Mr. Wedell entered the United States 
Army in July 1952 in Galesburg, Illinois. After he finished his 
training he was sent to Korea, where he was assigned to the 17th 
Infantry Regiment, nicknamed ``the Buffalos,'' of the 7th Infantry 
Division. They were nicknamed the Buffalos after one of the Regiment's 
Commanding Officers in the Korean War, Colonel William W. ``Buffalo 
Bill'' Quinn. This incredible regiment was an important part of the 
Korean War and continues to fight for our country to this day.
  In April 1953, elements of the 7th Infantry Division were ordered to 
take and hold what would later become the famous battle for Pork Chop 
Hill. On April 20, during the first battle of Pork Chop Hill, Private 
Wedell was wounded in combat. During this battle the United States 
experienced 243 casualties and an additional 916 were wounded. Less 
than three weeks after the second battle, the Armistice was signed 
thereby ending hostilities.
  On May 7, 1953, while recovering in a military hospital in Japan, 
Private Wedell was awarded the Military Order of the Purple Heart 
because of the wounds he sustained during this battle. In addition, 
Private Wedell was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the 
Korean Service Medal, and the United Nation Service Medal for his 
exemplary service in the United States Army.
  However, another award that every infantryman cherishes is the award 
that Private Wedell earns today. The Combat Infantryman's Badge, 
commonly called the CIB, is awarded to soldiers, both enlisted and 
officers holding the rank of colonel or below. Those who receive this 
award were personally present and under hostile fire while serving in 
assigned primary infantry or Special Forces duty in a unit actively 
engaging the enemy in ground combat.
  On the 17th day of October, 2011, after fifty-eight years of waiting, 
it is my humble privilege and honor to present to Ernest Wedell on 
behalf of a grateful nation and the citizens of Illinois, the Combat 
Infantryman's Badge. We are very lucky to have had dedicated 
warfighters like Mr. Wedell in our Army. Our country owes him and those 
like him a great debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they have made 
for us.