[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 9, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING EDMOND LEE JUNEAU

 Mr. TESTER. Madam President, I wish to honor Edmond Lee 
Juneau, a veteran of the U.S. Army.
  It is my honor to share the story of Edmond's service because no 
veteran's story should ever go unrecognized.
  Edmond was born in Green Bay, WI, on November 9, 1920, but grew up in 
Browning, MT, where he was known for his tremendous athleticism, 
playing football, basketball, and baseball.
  He graduated from Browning High School and married the love of his 
life Margie Bird Juneau. He and Margie had eight children: seven boys 
and one girl.
  On June 22, 1944, Edmond began his service in the U.S. Army with the 
69th Armored Infantry Battalion Company A. He served alongside his 
cousin William ``Bill'' Big Springs and former Montana Governor, Tim 
Babcock. Edmond and Tim became close friends, and it was their time 
overseas that built a strong bond between the two men.
  Edmond served in three different campaigns: Rhineland, the Ardennes, 
and Central Europe. Edmond didn't talk much about the war but told his 
son Stan one specific memory.
  Near the end of the war, Edmond and his fellow soldiers were sitting 
on their tanks at the Russian border waiting for orders to advance. The 
Russians, just a short distance away, were also sitting on their tanks 
waiting for their orders. The orders never came, so at night the two 
units would come together and talk. Edmond was doing diplomacy with the 
Russians before the Cold War even started.
  Edmond separated from the military on October 23, 1945, passing on 
his military legacy to his family. Three of his sons, Edmond Jr., 
Samson, and Robert, all went on to bravely serve our country.
  Edmond's life of service extended far beyond the military. His work 
as a schoolbus driver and officer for the Browning Public Schools 
demonstrates an unwavering commitment to civic duty and responsibility. 
Edmond passed away on September 20, 1967.
  Last week, in the presence of his family, it was my honor to present 
Stan Juneau and the entire Juneau family with Edmond's medals. The 
first medal was the highest medal I had ever given out: the 
Distinguished Service Medal. It is awarded to any person who, while 
serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army, has distinguished him or 
herself with exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a 
duty of great responsibility. The act must merit recognition for 
service which is clearly exceptional.
  Edmond also earned the following medals: the Bronze Star, Purple 
Heart, and the Good Conduct Medal.
  It was my honor to present a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign 
Medal with Three Bronze Service Stars, a World War II Victory Medal, 
and the Combat Infantryman Badge First Award.
  I was also honored to present the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar 
and the Honorable Service Lapel Button, World War II.
  These decorations are small tokens but powerful symbols of true 
heroism, sacrifice, and dedication to service.
  These medals are presented on behalf of a grateful nation. 

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