[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 170 (Tuesday, November 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   CONGRATULATING PETER GILEA ON RECEIVING THE BRONZE MEDALLION AND 
 KNIGHTED INTO THE U.S. ARMY CAVALRY AND ARMOR ASSOCIATION'S ORDER OF 
                               ST. GEORGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETER J. ROSKAM

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2016

  Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a World War II veteran 
from the Sixth Congressional District of Illinois, Peter Gilea. Peter 
was recently named a knight of the U.S. Army Cavalry and Armor 
Association's Order of St. George and presented with the Bronze 
Medallion. The honor is awarded to Armor and Cavalrymen who perform 
outstanding service to the U.S. Army Armored Force.
  Peter Gilea was drafted and went into the army January 25, 1943. He 
went through his training with the 735th Independent Tank Battalion, 
which he also helped establish and on February 12, 1944 his unit left 
the United States and arrived in Scotland on February 24, 1944. While 
serving as a commander on a Sherman tank with the 735th Tank Battalion 
in Europe, he received five campaign battle stars, which include 
fighting in Normandy, the pursuit through France and action in 
Luxembourg during the important allied victory of the Battle of the 
Bulge. Peter also received the Bronze Star Medal for bravery, two 
Purple Hearts, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good 
Conduct Medal, American Defense Medal, World War II Victory Medal and 
the French Legion of Honor Medal.
  His courage and commitment to defending the freedoms we cherish will 
forever be a credit to his patriotism and sacrifice. His bravery during 
campaigns through Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-
Alsace, and Central Europe was pivotal in the destruction of the 
oppressive and evil Nazi regime. It is because of men like Peter Gilea 
that we enjoy the rights and liberties we value so deeply.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Peter Gilea for 
receiving the Bronze Medallion and receiving a knighthood into the 
Order of St. George. Once again, congratulations, and I wish Peter all 
the best in the years to come.

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