[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 76 (Friday, May 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF ANTONIO THOMAS JAMES RUGGIERO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2016

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sincere recognition of 
Antonio Thomas James Ruggiero, a decorated veteran of World War II and 
a personal friend of mine who passed away on April 14, 2016.
  Tommy, as he was known to his family and friends, was born in 
Plymouth, Massachusetts on August 25, 1920 to Vincent and Lucia 
Ruggiero. After graduating from Plymouth High School, Tommy enlisted in 
the United States Army and served in the 2nd Ranger Battalion's D 
Company during the Invasion of Normandy in June of 1944. On D-Day, his 
landing craft was hit by enemy fire, leaving him one of the 90 
surviving Rangers stranded in the freezing Atlantic for hours before 
joining the fight. Later in the war, Tommy also fought in the fierce 
Battle of Hurtgen Forest and the famed Battle of the Bulge. The Battle 
of Hurtgen Forest in 1944 was the longest and one of the fiercest 
battles fought on German soil during World War II. His company was 
integral in securing the strategic Hill 400 during this battle. For his 
outstanding military service, Tommy earned a Bronze Star and Purple 
Heart as well as the highest honor from the French Government, the 
Croix de Guerre and French Medal of Merit.
  His exemplary service did not end there, however, In 1947, he joined 
the Plymouth Fire Department, rising to rank of Captain before retiring 
in 1975. In addition, he was an active member of the veterans' 
community in Massachusetts, participating in local, state and even 
national events with Presidents and First Ladies to highlight and 
celebrate the efforts of the men and women who served in uniform. Tommy 
also worked closely with my office over the years to secure unit 
citations for the extraordinary efforts of D and F Companies of 2nd 
Ranger Battalion during the Battle of Hurtgen Forest.
  Tommy's perseverance and integrity served as an inspiration for all 
who knew him and he was an outstanding role model for the community. He 
leaves behind his wife, Mary, of 68 years as well as a loving daughter, 
sister, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews, and will be deeply missed 
by all those who knew him.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Antonio Thomas James 
Ruggiero and his distinguished service for our country. I ask that my 
colleagues join me in recognizing the life of a dedicated and honorable 
public servant.

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