    [Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 10, 2018)]
    [House]
    [Page H126]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                              HONORING JERRY RUELF

      (Mr. YOHO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
    minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
      Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Mr. Jerry Ruelf, an
    American hero from Ocala, Florida, who passed away this year on January
    7.
      At the age of 17, Mr. Ruelf joined the 101st Airborne Division during
    World War II and received many decorations for his courageous actions
    overseas, among which are the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple
    Heart. I had the distinct honor several years ago to present him with a
    collection of medals, which required him to get a larger jacket.
      Following the end of the war, Mr. Ruelf continued to serve the
    American people as a teacher at Dixie Hollins High School in St.
    Petersburg, Florida, where he led the school's swim team through an
    undefeated season in 1971. Mr. Ruelf is honored in the Swimming Hall of
    Fame for his accomplishments at both Boca Ciega High School and Dixie
    Hollins High School in Florida.
      Mr. Ruelf was an outstanding patriot, and he will be dearly missed by
    all in his community. His example of leadership through service is one
    we can all learn from.
      To Mr. Ruelf, along with the others from that Greatest Generation
    era, I thank you, my family thanks you, and our Nation thanks you for
    the life you lived, for your service to your country, community, and
    for making this world a better place.

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