[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E959]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND CAREER OF MR. JOSEPH DISPENZA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2013

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the war record and 
accomplishments of a local military hero, Mr. Joseph Dispenza, who 
recently turned 92.
   A resident of Cheektowaga for the vast majority of his life, Joseph 
Dispenza was born in Buffalo and enlisted into active service November 
6, 1942. He was just 21 years of age when he became the tail gunner in 
the Army Air Force for a B-24 D Liberator, ``Blessed Event.''
   This plane was shot down in battle by Japanese fighters over the 
Pacific on New Year's Day 1944, with a hole blown into the ``Blessed 
Event'' the size of a bathtub. Two of Joseph's ten comrades were 
killed. The other eight were shot from shrapnel, including Joseph. 
Protecting his compatriots, Joseph was courageously still able to shoot 
down an enemy plane before his own plane crash-landed with only one 
wheel remaining. The crew's chances for survival were so low that the 
army sent a telegram to Joseph's parents on Buffalo's West Side 
reporting their son's death.
   Humble and quietly brave, over the next 64 years, Joseph told his 
incredible survival story to no one, until he saw an old issue of Look 
magazine which had reported the events. Joseph never even applied for 
his medals; his family did so for him.
   Joseph deservedly was awarded the Purple Heart and Air Medal with 
three Oak Leaf Clusters, among other medals, though only received them 
recently, and this great Buffalonian, this great American, does not 
even see himself as a hero, deferring the label to his fallen brethren 
in arms.
   Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor one 
of America's great defenders, who put his life and liberty on the line 
to protect our freedoms here at home. Joseph represents the best of 
American courage, humility, and strength, and with the recent 
celebration of Memorial Day, I am thankful for his nearly three years 
of service in World War II, from which he was honorably discharged, and 
his service for all Americans.

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