[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 123 (Friday, August 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING LT. COL. MATT URBAN

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2014

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Lt. Col. Matt 
Urban and to recognize his service to our great nation. As a veteran of 
World War II, I understand the great sacrifices made by the ``greatest 
generation'' and their families. Lt. Col. Urban is a true American hero 
and is worthy of recognition by this body.
  Lt. Col. Urban is one of the most decorated soldiers of our time. He 
has received the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Legion of Merit and the 
Purple Heart, among others. After enlisting in the Army on July 2, 
1941, Lt. Col. Urban fought in six campaigns in World War II in the 
Mediterranean and European theaters. On September 3, 1944, after 
exposing himself to enemy fire while destroying two tanks with a 
bazooka, he was critically wounded and medically evacuated from battle. 
The following year, a fellow soldier recommended him for the Medal of 
Honor for his heroic actions in battle. Unfortunately, this letter was 
not received by the Army, which resulted in a great delay in 
recognizing his valor. However, thanks to hard work by his family, 
friends and supporters, Lt. Col Urban was awarded the Medal of Honor by 
President Jimmy Carter on July 19, 1980. He passed away on March 4, 
1995.
  The citation for his Medal of Honor states that Lt. Col. Urban 
deserves to be honored ``for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at 
risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.'' On August 23, 2014, 
his family will gather at Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath 
laying ceremony and celebration of his life. I join them in honoring 
Lt. Col. Matt Urban for his heroism in battle and many sacrifices he 
made on behalf of our great nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing this great American.

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