[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 194 (Friday, December 16, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S8731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LEE OSTERHOLM

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I wish to discuss the life of 
a great American, a fellow Montanan, and a true patriot who served his 
country proudly in World War II, Army SGT Lee Osterholm, a native of 
Butte, MT.
  Born on April 24, 1919, Lee served in the Border Patrol in Texas 
prior to World War II. When our country was thrust into war, Lee 
answered the call of duty, enlisting in the U.S. Army on March 8, 1943, 
and was soon on the battlefields of Central Europe fighting for our 
very freedom.
  Between 1943 and 1945 Lee's unwavering commitment to duty and courage 
under fire was evident as he led men into combat throughout the 
European theater and performed superbly in both the U.S. Army and U.S. 
Army Air Corps. Sadly he never received the recognition he deserved 
once the war ended and he was discharged on February 9, 1946.
  Over 65 years later, his country is finally recognizing Lee's 
accomplishments by awarding him the Bronze Star posthumously. I ask 
unanimous consent that the citation to accompany this award be printed 
in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

       The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to Sergeant Lee Osterholm, 
     United States Army, Service Number 39-616-345: ``For 
     exceptionally meritorious achievement in ground operations 
     against hostile forces while assigned as Reconnaissance 
     Sergeant, Company H, 387th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry 
     Division, in the Central Europe Campaign, World War II. 
     Sergeant Lee Osterholm's outstanding performance of duty, 
     technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to mission 
     accomplishment in ground combat in an active war zone were 
     vital to successful combat operations in the Central Europe 
     Campaign. His contributions and dedication to duty are in 
     keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army 
     and reflect great credit upon himself, the 97th Infantry 
     Division, and the United States Army in World War II.''

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