[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 85 (Friday, June 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN J. MORELLI, RECIPIENT OF THE TOMB HONOR GUARD 
 IDENTIFICATION BADGE AND BRONZE STAR, AS AWARDED BY THE UNITED STATES 
                                  ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2013

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor John J. Morelli, who 
received the Tomb Honor Guard Identification Badge and Bronze Star of 
the United States Army. Mr. Morelli is also being honored by his town 
of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, and his name will be displayed on a 
historical marker to be dedicated there tomorrow morning, June 14.
  Mr. Morelli, born January 18, 1918 to John and Lucy Morelli, began 
his distinguished life living in the rear of his family-owned shoe 
repair shop in Olyphant. During his early years, Mr. Morelli attended 
Olyphant High School and entered the United States Army at the age of 
twenty-two.
  Mr. Morelli was stationed stateside during World War II where he was 
honored to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National 
Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. One of his other duties during this 
period of service included guarding German prisoners of war in Hot 
Springs, Arkansas. Mr. Morelli's career in the Army continued when he 
fought in the 3rd Infantry Division in Korea. During Mr. Morelli's 
first day of combat, the sergeant he was sent to replace was shot by 
enemy fire, prompting Mr. Morelli to expose himself as a target while 
trying to save the fallen soldier. This act of bravery earned Mr. 
Morelli the Bronze Star Medal.
  Also highly notable are Mr. Morelli's nine and a half--albeit non-
consecutive--years as Sergeant of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown 
Soldier. Mr. Morelli held this prestigious assignment, among the rarest 
in the Army, longer than any other soldier in history. Due to Mr. 
Morelli's outstanding service, he was awarded the Tomb Honor Guard 
Identification Badge, the second rarest military badge after the 
Astronaut Badge.
  In recognition of Mr. Morelli's achievements in the Army, the 
historical marker will be dedicated tomorrow at the site of his 
father's former shoe repair shop in Olyphant. I add my congratulations 
and heartfelt thanks for exemplary service to our country on this 
momentous occasion.

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