[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 91 (Thursday, June 9, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF THE HEROISM OF CPL. PHILIP E. LOUR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2016

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible 
heroism of one of my constituents, Cpl. Philip E. Lour, a veteran of 
World War II, a leader, and an American patriot. Mr. Lour first began 
serving our nation immediately after graduating from high school at the 
age of 17. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, in 1942, where he 
quickly developed an interest in communications, and eventually an 
expertise in Morse code. However, life had different plans for him.
  After he was accepted into the Army Specialized Training Program, Mr. 
Lour soon found himself heading to the front lines due to the program 
being shut down. Mr. Lour fought in one of the war's most infamous 
battles, the Battle of the Bulge, where he survived the surprise Nazi 
assault that incurred the highest casualties for any operation in World 
War II in Europe. In January, 1946, Mr. Lour retired from the Army as a 
hero and patriot with the thanks of a grateful nation.
  Mr. Lour's service to our nation did not end upon returning home. 
After graduating from Yale University with a degree in engineering, 
achieved through the GI Bill, he went on to work for the National 
Advisory Committee of Aeronautics (NACA). His work at NACA continued 
for eight years before he transitioned to operational analysis at 
Langley Air Force Base in Newport News, Virginia. He eventually retired 
as Deputy Director for the Concepts Analysis Agency in the Department 
of the Army.
  Mr. Lour's long career of service to our nation speaks volumes of his 
character. He exemplifies hard work, leadership, bravery, and ambition 
in all aspects of his life, from his education to his service abroad 
His dedication to the United States serves as a model for all 
Americans.
  I am honored to recognize Mr. Lour today for his selfless 
contributions to our great nation. Whether it has been fighting on the 
front lines in WWII, or by making his neighborhood more beautiful with 
his extraordinary azalea garden, it is clear that Mr. Philip E. Lour 
has dedicated his life to improving the lives of those around him. He 
is respected and loved by many.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting Philip E. 
Lour for his lifetime of service to the United States of America. I 
wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

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