[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 5, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. JEAN DeCURTINS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2017

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize 
the last surviving member of the Stillwater, Minnesota ``Last Man's 
Club'' of World War II veterans, Mr. Jean DeCurtins.
  At age 98, Mr. DeCurtins is the only survivor of the 180 men who left 
Stillwater in February 1941 as part of the Minnesota Army National 
Guard's 34th Infantry Division Red Bulls mobilization for World War II. 
The A&D Last Man's Club was named for the A and D Army Companies in 
which members served and in honor of Stillwater's original Last Man's 
Club of 34 Civil War veterans.
  Private DeCurtins served in Company D, the heavy-weapons company of 
the 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division. He fought in six 
battles and 14 engagements in North Africa and Italy, including the 
Battles of Monte Cassino and the Gothic Line. Injured twice during his 
service, taking shrapnel to his hand at the Battle of Kasserine Pass in 
Tunisa and in the head at the Anzio beachhead in Italy, DeCurtins 
returned to the battlefield both times. For his brave service, 
DeCurtins was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
  The day after Christmas in 1944, Mr. DeCurtins returned to his 
parents' home in Stillwater, a decorated Army Private First Class. He 
took a job on a line crew for Northern States Power Co. where he worked 
until he retired in 1981. He still lives in his parents' home with his 
brother Johnny, also a World War II veteran, a home he has lived in for 
over 90 years. Still active in his community and an avid reader, 
DeCurtins visits the Stillwater Public Library twice daily and attends 
Mass at the Church of St. Michael every Saturday evening.
  His humility, perseverance, and sacrifice certainly personifies those 
known as ``the Greatest Generation,'' and we are proud to recognize him 
today as we remember all with whom he served. Mr. Speaker, please join 
me in rising to honor Mr. DeCurtins's courage and commitment to our 
nation.

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