[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 87 (Friday, May 19, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING E COMPANY, 141ST INFANTRY REGIMENT

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. BETO O'ROURKE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2017

  Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to recognize E 
Company, 141st Infantry Regiment, which served with valor and 
distinction during World War II.
  In 1940, E Company, along with the entire 141st Infantry Regiment was 
federalized and assigned to the 36th Infantry Division. E Company was 
distinct in its heritage and was composed almost entirely of Mexican-
American soldiers. A vast majority of E Company's soldiers hailed from 
El Paso.
  The 141st Infantry Regiment shipped off to North Africa in April 
1943. The regiment was one of the units in the amphibious invasion of 
Italy at Salerno, and they suffered heavy casualties. As the 141st 
fought its way through Italy, the regiment, as well as E Company, 
fought with distinction. The 141st reinforced units at Anzio, helped 
tip the scales to rout the Germans, and entered Rome in June 1944. This 
culminated 137 days of combat during which the 141st Infantry Regiment 
suffered over 3,000 casualties. The Germans called the 141st ``wild men 
from Texas, skilled in fieldcraft and fighting.''
  The regiment then participated in a third amphibious landing, its 
second combat assault against a fortified beachhead, and entered 
Southern France. The 141st continued to fight through Central Europe. E 
Company participated with the regiment in all its major campaigns and 
battles. The unit deactivated in December 1945 after the war. The 
regiment had suffered 1,126 killed, more than 5,000 wounded, and over 
500 missing in action. Its soldiers were awarded an astonishing three 
Medals of Honor, 31 Distinguished Service Crosses, 492 Silver Stars, 
and 1,685 Bronze Stars.
  The valor and bravery of the soldiers of E Company, 141st Infantry 
Regiment must not be forgotten. As America prepares to reflect on the 
sacrifices made by our service members this Memorial Day, I ask that we 
take a moment to remember the soldiers of E Company. They represented 
the best of El Paso, Texas, and the nation as our brave service members 
valiantly fought the forces of tyranny. I am honored to represent the 
men and women of El Paso who carry on the legacy of E Company as they 
continue to stand against injustice and pursue the American dream.

                          ____________________