[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 173 (Tuesday, December 1, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H8650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING WILLIAM BOSTIC JR. AND DOUGLAS CLAYTON FARGO
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from West
Virginia (Mr. Mooney) for 5 minutes.
Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize
the lives of two outstanding Americans who passed away in October. Both
men were part of the Greatest Generation and served our country
honorably during the Second World War.
William Bostic Jr., also known as Bill, passed away on October 30. He
was a native of West Virginia, born in Renick in 1922, lived most of
his life in Ravenswood in the Second Congressional District, and was
the son of William Bostic Sr. and Nancy Lou Dale Bostic.
In 1943, he was called to serve his country, and serve it well he
did. Bill served in the Pacific Theater, where he was injured in the
line of duty.
On February 8, 1945, Corporal Bostic was serving as a member of an
artillery liaison party when the enemy began attacking with rocket,
artillery, and mortars in support of demolition units. Bill, with
complete disregard for his own safety, left his foxhole and crawled to
a point where he could better communicate with the supporting
artillery.
After establishing communications, he was struck by enemy mortar
fragments and, though seriously wounded, refused to leave his post
until the enemy attack had been repulsed. His utter disregard for his
own personal welfare and his devotion to duty assisted materially in
the adjustment of artillery fire that broke up the enemy attack.
For this act of gallantry, Bill was awarded the Silver Star. During
his 11 years of service to our country, he also earned six Bronze
Stars, a Purple Heart, and a Good Conduct ribbon, just to name a few.
Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Pauline Bostic. She still
lives in Jackson County, West Virginia. He will be laid to rest at
Arlington National Cemetery.
Mr. Douglas Clayton Fargo, Doug, is another true American hero who
passed away.
Doug lived in Charles Town, West Virginia, for over 25 years. After
graduating from high school, Doug enlisted with the U.S. Army and
served from 1944 to 1946. He fought in nine major battles and was
quickly elevated in rank from a private to a sergeant as he served
under the great General George Patton. He was awarded the Bronze Star
and the Combat Infantry Badge for his services.
In 1951, he was recalled to Active Duty and served another 2 years in
the Korean war, where he received his field commission as a lieutenant.
He led 11 combat patrols and was awarded a second Bronze Star and a
second Combat Infantry Badge, as well as 18 other ribbons and
decorations.
After his retirement, he remained active in the community and stayed
involved with a number of veterans organizations, including the Korean
War Veterans Association, Forty and Eight, Kiwanis, and Military
Officers Association of America.
Doug was preceded in death by his first wife, Maria Laura Mae Fargo,
and his second wife, Eileen Fargo, as well as the last love of his
life, Eunice Steed. Additionally, Mr. Fargo lost his grandson, Adam
Joseph Fargo, on July 22, 2006, when he was killed in action while
fighting in Iraq.
Doug will also be buried in the Arlington National Cemetery.
Bill and Doug were fantastic men who served their country and their
communities with honor.
____________________