[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 18, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF SERGEANT ROBERT L. SALES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 18, 2014

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, the soldiers who stormed the beaches of 
Normandy on June 6, 1944, saw some of the most intense fighting of 
World War II. Among them on D-Day was Sergeant Robert L. Sales of 
Madison Heights, a member of the Virginia National Guard Company B, 
116th Infantry. After coming under fierce attack in the first wave of 
the invasion, Mr. Sales made his way to the seawall. He was the only 
man from his landing craft to survive the landing and went on to 
continue fighting on the frontlines. Thanks to his selfless service, 
the citizens of France were given hope of once again living in freedom.
  It was this heroic service that earned Mr. Sales the French Legion of 
Honor nearly 70 years after the Allied invasion. He was one of six 
World War II veterans to receive the French Legion of Honor directly 
from French President Francois Hollande at a ceremony in Arlington on 
February 11, 2014.
  The French Legion of Honor is France's highest distinction and is 
presented as an expression of gratitude for aiding in efforts to 
liberate France from enemy forces. Those eligible for the medal must 
have fought in one of the major French liberation campaigns, which 
includes the D-Day landing at Normandy.
  As a member of ``The Greatest Generation,'' Mr. Sales joined the 
Virginia National Guard in 1941. The actions of Mr. Sales throughout 
his service in World War II also earned him America's deepest gratitude 
and well-deserved military honors, including the Silver Star and the 
Purple Heart.
  As we recognize the valiant service of Mr. Sales, we are reminded of 
all service members who have made tremendous sacrifices and our 
responsibility to honor them every day. I extend my sincere 
congratulations to Mr. Sales on becoming a Knight of the French Legion 
of Honor. I am grateful for his service, and the service of all of our 
veterans, in the defense of this great Nation.

                          ____________________