[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 38 (Thursday, March 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          DR. VICTOR F. GRECO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2012

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Victor F. Greco, who 
will receive the prestigious 2012 Marconi Science Award presented by 
UNICO National. Dr. Greco is a fellow native of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, 
and a 1941 graduate of my alma mater, Hazleton High School. UNICO 
National, the largest Italian-American service organization in the 
United States, presents the Marconi Science Award to a U.S. citizen of 
Italian descent involved in the physical sciences who exemplifies 
Marconi's vast scientific and creative accomplishments through their 
own life's achievements.
  The University of Scranton accepted Dr. Greco to college early 
because of his outstanding academic record. He graduated magna cum 
laude in 1947. He has the honor of being the only graduate of a Jesuit 
university to finish eight semesters of education in six semesters. 
After graduating, he continued his education at Jefferson Medical 
College and earned his degree as a medical doctor. During his time at 
Jefferson Medical, he was one of six students inducted to the Alpha 
Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Dr. Greco completed his internship 
at the Philadelphia General Hospital in 1951 1952, and was a research 
fellow at Jefferson Medical College from 1952 1953. Two years later, he 
completed his fellowship in cancer surgical research while serving as 
chief surgical resident.
  Dr. Greco trained as a general and thoracic surgeon. He played a 
crucial role in the development of the heart-lung machine that allowed 
surgeons to operate on the heart, specifically allowing surgeons to 
open the heart and replace damaged valves. While the machine keeps the 
patient's heart and lungs functioning, the surgeon is able to 
surgically correct defects that were previously impossible. This 
notable achievement allows for the correction of a multitude of 
congenital vascular defects.
  The UNICO chapter in my hometown of Hazleton is proud of Dr. Greco's 
achievements and his nomination for the Marconi Science Award. Overall, 
his membership and involvement in UNICO has helped promote and enhance 
the image of Italian-Americans, and he encourages other members to 
serve our community.
  Mr. Speaker, today, Dr. Victor F. Greco stands as an icon in the 
Hazleton, Pennsylvania, UNICO chapter. I join my fellow Italian-
Americans in congratulating Dr. Greco for receiving the Marconi Science 
Award. I commend him for his years of dedicated service to his 
patients, community, and country.

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