[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 74 (Wednesday, May 11, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           MR. JOSEPH PARISI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LEE M. ZELDIN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 11, 2016

  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to the 
incredible life of Mr. Joseph Parisi.
  Joseph was born in 1916 to Francesco Parisi and Rosaria Cacciola. He 
attended James Monroe High School in Manhattan until he had to leave 
and help with the family business. Joseph worked tirelessly to ensure 
that his family came first--a testament to the type of person he is. 
Joseph returned to his studies and attended Harlem High School for two 
years, managing to complete his education.
  In June of 1943, Mr. Parisi answered the call of duty and joined the 
war effort to ensure we remained the free nation we are today. After 
Basic Training, he attended Group School on repair and maintenance of 
telephones and equipment and was assigned to Headquarters Company, 
1159th Combat Engineers Group, as a Technician 4th Grade, or Tec4. 
Joseph narrowly escaped death in 1945 when he crossed over a bridge 
east of the Rhine River. The 1159th Combat Engineers Group, led by Lt. 
Col. Kenneth Fields, took over command of the engineering units at 
Remagen, Germany and shortly after crossing the bridge, the east end 
collapsed into the Rhine resulting in the death of 28 and several 
hundred injuries. Joseph served in the Army until February of 1946, 
when he was released from active service. During his time in the 
service, he received numerous decorations including: the American 
Theater Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern (EAME) Campaign 
Medal with two Bronze Stars; Good Conduct Medal; Victory Ribbon; 
Service Stripe; Overseas Service Bar; and Sharpshooter-carbine.
  Joseph will be turning 100 years old on September 30, 2016; but today 
I would like to thank him for his years of dedication and service to 
our country and community. What he has managed to accomplish during his 
lifetime and give back to the country cannot be summarized in a few 
words; however it is important we honor these individuals as best we 
can. It is my hope that many will follow in his footsteps and give back 
to their country as graciously as he did. People like him are a rare 
breed and they help make not only our country, but our world a much 
safer and better place.

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