[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 120 (Monday, September 10, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO HERBERT S. KINDSFATER

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Herbert S. 
Kindsfater, a veteran of World War II. Herb, on behalf of all Montanans 
and all Americans, I thank you for your service to this Nation.
  It is my honor to share the story of Herb Kindsfater's service to our 
Nation. Herb was born in Rocky Fort, CO. At the age of 17, he tried to 
join the Navy, but was turned away. He was told he could join the Army 
or work in the Butte silver mines, and he chose the Army.
  Herb was a machine gunner in Company H, 172nd Regiment, 43rd Infantry 
Division--the ``Green Mountain Boys'' of Vermont. Herb's unit served in 
the Pacific Theater. He engaged in combat in the Solomon Islands and 
New Guinea, where he suffered injuries from shrapnel.
  In the Philippines, Herb and his fellow soldiers fought mile-by-mile 
to reach Manila. They then took the island of Luzon. At Ipo Dam, Herb 
was badly wounded in both arms, and he spent months recuperating in a 
hospital.
  After his military service, Herb moved to Billings where he married 
his wife Betty and worked for the railroad. During the first several 
years of their marriage, he still suffered from malaria that he had 
contracted in the war.
  After serving his country with honor, Herb never received all of the 
medals he earned from the Army.
  Earlier this month, in the presence of his wife Betty and his son 
Bruce, it was my honor to finally present to Herb his Bronze Star, a 
Purple Heart, and a Good Conduct Medal.
  It was also my honor to present a Presidential Unit Citation, an 
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, and a 
World War II Victory Medal.
  Earlier this month, I also presented to Herb a Combat Infantry Badge 
First Award, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Service 
Star, and a Honorable Service Lapel Button.
  These decorations are small tokens, but they are powerful symbols of 
true heroism, sacrifice, and dedication to service.
  These medals are presented on behalf of a grateful nation.

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