[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 55 (Monday, April 22, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S2841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                       TRIBUTE TO DEAN E. GALLES

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Dean E. 
Galles, a decorated US Army combat veteran of World War II. Dean, on 
behalf of all Montanans and all Americans, I stand to say ``thank you'' 
for your service to this Nation.
  It is my honor to share the remarkable story of Dean's service in 
World War II.
  Dean was born November 9, 1919 in Broadview, MT, a small prairie town 
on a rail spur.
  As a boy, Dean's family moved to Billings where his father continued 
in business. Dean looked up to his father as a role model throughout 
his life. In 1937, Dean graduated from high school in Billings and 
enrolled at the University of Montana, where he also participated in 
the Army Reserve Officer's Training Corps. Dean graduated in the spring 
of 1941 and became a commissioned officer in the 7th Infantry Division, 
U.S. Army.
  Lieutenant Galles sailed with his division to attack Japanese forces 
occupying Attu and Kiska Islands in the Aleutian chain, the westernmost 
group of Alaskan islands. Upon landing, the American forces were left 
with the daunting task of removing Japanese troops firmly entrenched on 
high ground.
  At dawn on May 29, 1943, the Japanese commander ordered a desperate, 
all-out assault on the American forces, which is believed to be the 
largest banzai charge in World War II's Pacific theater of operation. 
In spite of the extreme cold weather and high casualties, American 
forces prevailed. Sometime during the battle, Dean was bayoneted twice 
and left for dead. In spite of his wounds, Lieutenant Galles struggled 
two miles to alert other Americans.
  On April 7, 1945, then-Captain Galles led an American assault on a 
Japanese force entrenched on the island of Okinawa. With complete 
disregard for personal hazards, he moved across open, fire-swept 
terrain and directed the successful attack. During the confrontation, 
Captain Galles was wounded a third time and received the Silver Star 
medal for heroism. Dean is still impacted today due to the Japanese 
bullet in his chest from wounds received on Okinawa.
  Following the third injury, Dean returned to Billings where his wife 
lived, and he began a successful business. After retirement, Dean has 
been active in veterans' and civic organizations, where he continues to 
be a source of inspiration, courage, and patriotism. A fellow veteran 
recently asked Dean what would he say to Americans yet unborn? In a now 
frail, but resolute, voice, Mr. Galles replied, ``America is worth 
fighting for; I hope they keep on fighting.''
  Seventy years would pass before the Army would award Dean the Bronze 
Star medal for Valor for his actions on Attu Island.
  Mr. President, on behalf of a grateful Nation, I commend Mr. Galles 
and his service to America.

                          ____________________