[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO WWII VETERAN JERRY LUPTAK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2013

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jerry Luptak, a 
Michigan resident, a veteran, and a hero of one of World War II's most 
infamous battles--the ``Battle of the Bulge.''
   Jerry began his military career in the ROTC at Michigan State 
University. His group was called into duty and assigned to the 36th 
Infantry division. Upon landing in Italy, he and his unit fought 
through southern France, advancing the Allied line.
   During the Battle of the Bulge, Jerry served as a 2nd Lieutenant in 
the 131st Field Artillery Battalion. He was positioned as a forward 
Artillery Observer on a bridgehead on the German side of the river, the 
very front of the Allied line. From his position in the fourth floor of 
a building, Jerry saw the enemy advancing with an overwhelming force of 
troops and tanks. Thinking quickly, Lieutenant Luptak called for his 
fellow troops to take cover, then called in an artillery barrage on the 
German advance. Still exposed in his fourth floor position, Jerry put 
his own life in danger to give the American forces their only chance at 
avoiding defeat. His quick decision-making and bravery proved 
successful, and the artillery barrage defeated the German advance.
   Lieutenant Luptak was awarded a silver star for his gallantry in 
action. According to his citation, Jerry ``effectively directed 
artillery fire was of material aid in crushing enemy attacks.'' This 
battle was an important stepping stone in halting the German opposition 
during World War II.
   Jerry's vast combat experience and tactical knowledge provided vital 
tools to the United States Armed Forces. In addition to his silver 
star, he also received the American Theater Service Medal, German 
Occupation Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign 
Medal.
   As Memorial Day approaches, all Americans should remember our brave 
servicemen and women, like Jerry Luptak, who dutifully and nobly 
answered the call to service for our nation, and the debt of gratitude 
we owe to them. On behalf of Michigan's 4th Congressional District, the 
Members of the Michigan Congressional Delegation, and all Americans, I 
thank Jerry Luptak for his dedicated and selfless service, and bravery 
in the face of the enemy.

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