[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 62 (Monday, May 6, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3085-S3086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ART GRATIAS

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to 
congratulate Art Gratias of Mason City, IA on receiving the Legion of 
Honor from the French Government for his contribution to the liberation 
of France. Art Gratias enlisted in the U.S. Army in January of 1942, 
having begun the enlistment process before the attack on Pearl Harbor 
that led to the formal participation of the United States in World War 
II. As a member of the 2nd Infantry Division, he participated in the D-
day invasion of Normandy, which took place on his first wedding 
anniversary. Art fought in numerous campaigns in France and Central 
Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded on August 16, 
1944, receiving the Purple Heart and later returned to combat.
  The French Government has expressed its gratitude to Art Gratias for 
what he did for their country. I would

[[Page S3086]]

now like to take this opportunity to thank Art for his service to our 
country. In fact, despite the fact that he gave more to this country 
through his military service than we can ever thank him for, he 
continued to dedicate his life to public service. Art has been a school 
board member, teacher, and school administrator. He has been very 
active in the Kiwanis, American Legion, and his church. Art has served 
on numerous volunteer boards, and in the Iowa Senate. Art Gratias is a 
prime example of that remarkable American spirit of voluntarism that 
the French writer Alexis de Tocqueville discovered in the early years 
of our Nation so it is fitting that he was singled out by the French 
Government for its highest honor. I am proud to add my voice to those 
who pay tribute to his life of service.

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