[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE SOLDIERS, AIRMEN AND AVIATORS IN THE BATTLE OF DIEPPE 70 
                               YEARS AGO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor the 
sacrifice 70 years ago this month of more than 3,600 Allied soldiers, 
airmen and aviators in the Battle of Dieppe during a critically pivotal 
point in World War II. The Dieppe Raid, also known as Operation 
Jubilee, was an Allied attack on the German-occupied port of Dieppe on 
the northern coast of France on 19 August 1942. The assault began at 
5:00 a.m. and by 10:50 a.m. the Allied commanders were forced to call a 
retreat. Over 6,000 infantrymen, predominantly Canadian, were supported 
by limited Royal Navy and large Royal Air Force contingents. Among 
Allied soldiers who took part in the Battle of Dieppe were 50 U.S. 
Rangers, including one from Michigan, and two additional civilian 
support personnel from my State. Almost 60 percent who made it ashore 
in that crushing battle 70 years ago were either killed, wounded, or 
captured
  This battle became a critical learning point for the Allies who less 
than two years later launched D Day in June 1944 in the invasion that 
eventually led to the defeat of Nazi Germany. ``I have no doubt,'' said 
Lord Mountbatten, who helped plan the raid, ``that the Battle of 
Normandy was won on the beaches of Dieppe.''
  On August 18, one of our esteemed former colleagues, former 
Congressman and former state Senator James Barcia, and Viet Nam veteran 
Terry Watson, who is supervisor of Bangor Township, Michigan will 
represent the United States during memorial ceremonies in Dieppe, 
France. The ceremonies will honor the courage and sacrifice of the men 
who took part in Operation Jubilee, including three Michigan men who 
have since passed away. They are: Pfc Stanley Bush, Walter A. Bresnahan 
and James C. Moseley.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives to join me today in honoring those whose sacrificed 70 
years ago at Dieppe, France and helped win the war that saved our 
Nation from the tyranny of Nazi Germany.

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