[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 95 (Thursday, June 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 1ST BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM, 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION 
                             (AIR ASSAULT)

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 21, 2012

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), also known as the Bastogne 
Brigade Combat Team. This brief recitation of the history of these 
soldiers barely does them justice.
  The Bastogne Brigade Combat Team fought in World War I and it was the 
first American expeditionary force to penetrate the Hindenburg Line, a 
vast system of defenses built by the Germans in northeastern France. 
Among many historic contributions during World War II, the Bastogne 
Brigade Combat Team played a vital role in Operation Overlord in 1944, 
the largest seaborne invasion in history. Later that year, they were 
part of the airborne invasion of Holland and secured control of supply 
routes and bridges in the German-occupied Netherlands.
  In 1964, the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division was 
deployed to Vietnam and participated in more than 40 combat operations 
and fought for seven consecutive years without respite.
  In 1991, they again played a vital role as part of the largest 
helicopter air-assault mission in military history during Operation 
Desert Storm. They have since taken part in peacekeeping operations 
throughout the world. In Iraq, they played a central role in Operation 
Iraqi Freedom, and in 2007, they were sent to the city of Tikrit, a 
safe haven for terrorist organizations.
  In 2010 they were deployed to some of the most violent territories in 
Afghanistan and successfully carried out missions that prevented 
insurgents from carrying out violent acts against civilians and 
military targets. The soldiers of the Bastogne Brigade Combat Team will 
soon be re-deployed to Afghanistan where they will continue performing 
with valor, risking their lives to help make our own country more 
secure. Many of them will be on the front lines, doing foot patrols, 
creating security and interacting with Afghan civilians.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House of Representatives join me in 
honoring the brave soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st 
Airborne Division (Air Assault), especially those who gave their lives 
for our freedom.

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