[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 43 (Thursday, March 17, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING RICHARD A. LEYENDECKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2016

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of 
Richard A. Leyendecker, a decorated war hero and successful business 
owner.
  Mr. Leyendecker was born to Peter P. Leyendecker Jr. and Emma Jordan 
Leyendecker. A lifelong resident of Laredo, Texas, he attended St. 
Peter's Memorial School and Martin High School. He enrolled in Texas 
A&M University until, at the age of 19, he enlisted into the Army Air 
Corps to serve his country during World War II.
  Mr. Leyendecker was a heavy bomber in the European Theater during 
World War II. In August of 1944, while he was flying a mission in 
support of the Normandy invasion, he was shot down and declared missing 
in action. He endured prisoner of war camps for nearly a year before 
American troops were able to liberate him. In recognition of his 
service and sacrifice, Mr. Leyendecker received the Prisoner of War 
Medal, the European-African Middle Eastern Ribbon with 4 bronze stars, 
and the WWII Victory Ribbon, among other honors.
  After returning home, Mr. Leyendecker resumed his studies at Texas 
A&M University, earning a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. Upon 
graduation he began working with his father at their family 
construction business in Laredo. He and two of his four sons, Gary and 
Mark, founded Leyendecker Construction, Inc. in 1980. Another son, 
Paul, also joined the company in the 1990's. Mr. Leyendecker worked 
tirelessly to build a successful family business and valued the work of 
his employees.
  In addition to his many accomplishments, Mr. Leyendecker was a proud 
husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Blanche Flores, and 
their four sons Richard, Gary, Paul and Mark.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to remember the 
legacy of Richard A. Leyendecker: a hero to his country, a successful 
business leader, and a loving family man.

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