[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 21, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E537-E538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING BOB RULEY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2015

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to honor the life of Bob Ruley, a dedicated service member, loving 
family man, and proud New Mexican.
  Growing up in Encino, New Mexico, Bob learned the importance of hard 
work, shared responsibility and a commitment to his family and country. 
When Bob was 8 years old, his mother passed away and the siblings were 
expected to step up and support the family. Every morning at 8:00 a.m., 
Bob and his brother would wake up, strap on their boots, and prep his 
family's 110 cattle for the all-day excursion across town.
  As Bob got older, World War II intensified in Europe, and on February 
7, 1941 in El Paso, Texas, Bob made a decision that would change his 
life. At the age of 18, in front of a tiny kiosk amid the bustling 
Alligator Square crowd, Bob enlisted into the United States Army's 
Eighth Calvary Regiment, First Calvary Division.
  In total, Bob spent over 4 years in service to the United States in 
what was a remarkable career. As a Cavalryman, Bob conducted strategic 
maneuvers on the Louisiana and Texas borders with his horse Stony (Army 
Number 5U27) to protect against any German attacks that could originate 
in Mexico.
  On December 2, 1942, Bob began training and prepared for deployment 
to the Philippines. As an Infantryman he completed two beachheads in 
the Pacific theatre. The first was January, 1944 at Manus Island, 
Philippines, with instructions to take the Lorengau airstrip. Bob's 
unit, the Eighth Calvary Regiment, landed at Lugos Mission and led the 
charge for the U.S. forces. Bob explained, ``Anytime you were a lead 
guy, you got hit''. That didn't stop Bob or the Eighth Calvary Regiment 
from pushing forward and repelling the enemy. At the end of the battle, 
U.S. forces successfully drove the Japanese from the island. Bob later 
earned a Purple Heart for his injuries sustained during the conflict.
  The second beachhead was October, 1944 at the Battle of Leyte Gulf, 
in what became known as one of the most decisive battles of the war. 
Bob recalled the heroism of the troops, and in particular, two local 
Filipino men who spent all night paddling 185 men up and down the 
river. The battle was so influential that President Truman announced a 
Presidential citation for the skill, bravery, and courage that U.S. 
forces displayed in the victory.
  On September 12, 1945, Bob returned home and began looking for work. 
Employment prospects were slim and, for Bob, that meant taking odd jobs 
to make a living. Whether he was delivering flowers, passing out court 
summons, or covering the night shift at a meat factory for an 
overworked employee, Bob always did what was needed to provide for his 
family. He eventually landed a full time job at the Atchison, Topeka 
and Santa Fe Railway Company in Las Vegas, New Mexico, where he would 
spend the next 38 years as a Conductor and Brakeman.
  Bob's story reminds us of a generation of Americans who, with hard 
work, persistence and determination, resolved to build a better 
America--a generation that constructed our modem concept of the 
``American Dream'' and safeguarded the freedoms that we enjoy today. I 
have known Bob my whole adult life and am fortunate to have felt his 
exuberant joy and generous heart over the years. He could always be 
found at the local Denny's, walking along the perimeter of the 
University of New Mexico's North golf course, at his favorite 
restaurant, Hurricane's, in downtown Albuquerque, or spending time with 
his family that he cherished deeply.
  From his childhood efforts to support his family, to risking his life 
overseas to preserve the liberties of millions of Americans, to 
fighting to create a richer life for his children, Bob represents the 
very best of our country. Bob's enduring legacy of service, sacrifice 
and unwavering faith in our community, state, and country will remain a 
lasting inspiration for future generations.

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