[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 91 (Thursday, June 12, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S3663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO RAY GROSSMAN

 Mr. WALSH. Madam President, today I wish to honor of Ray 
Grossman, a World War II veteran from Missoula, MT.
  It is my honor to share the story of Ray Grossman's service as we 
remember the fateful events of June 6, 1944.
  On that day, which forever changed the course of our history, 
Grossman and his fellow paratroopers were waiting in the air above 
Nazi-occupied France. Grossman was 1 of over 20,000 paratroopers who 
jumped that day.
  Then a 24-year-old first lieutenant in the newly formed 82nd Airborne 
Division, Grossman and his unit fought to protect a small town in 
France to stop the enemy from attacking the Allies arriving on the 
beach.
  The 82nd Airborne maneuvered to avoid antiaircraft fire, and 
Grossman's unit finally jumped, landing at approximately 2 a.m. and 
reaching their rendezvous point 6 hours later.
  In the days that followed, Grossman encountered heavy German attacks 
while fighting to protect a small town and fellow Allied service 
members.
  After serving in France, Grossman's unit freed prisoners from a 
concentration camp where only half of the prisoners were alive upon his 
unit's arrival.
  Grossman returned to Montana, choosing to continue his life of 
service as an educator at the University of Montana in Missoula.
  For his bravery during World War II, Grossman was awarded the Silver 
Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.
  To Ray Grossman, and each of the 160,000 Allied troops that invaded 
that 50-mile stretch of coastline, you truly are the ``greatest 
generation.''
  Ray, we thank you for your dedication to our country and the ideals 
we hold dear. May the memory of all who have served our country and who 
currently serve, and the events of that momentous day never be 
forgotten.

                          ____________________