[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JOSEPH GERCZAK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LLOYD SMUCKER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2018

  Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, today I honor and remember one of 
Pennsylvania's sons, and a native of Philadelphia, United States Coast 
Guard Signalman Third Class Joseph Gerczak.
  Working as an apprentice machinist making gun parts after graduating 
high school, Joseph enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard on September 26, 
1942.
  Following his training and early assignments, Joseph joined the crew 
of Landing Ship Tank 66, and was on board during the first assault 
against the Japanese-held Borgen Bay Area of New Britain on December 
26, 1943.
  Joseph's ship was in the bay while other vessels unloaded cargo onto 
the beach when seven Japanese dive bombers attacked his ship. He 
immediately manned his battle station and was the first crew member to 
return fire against the enemy.
  Joseph opened fire, unloading his drums of ammunition into the dive 
bombers, blasting two from the sky while bombs fell from the planes, 
striking his ship. He continued his assault against the enemy planes 
until he was struck by a blast that fatally wounded him and destroyed 
his battle station.
  The American assault at Borgen Bay was successful, due in part to 
Joseph's courage, perseverance, and unwavering strength in the face of 
tremendous odds. Joseph was recognized for his sacrifice, posthumously 
awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and the Presidential Unit 
Commendation.
  This weekend, on March 9th, 2018, the Coast Guard will commission a 
Fast Response Cutter in Honolulu, Hawaii. The cutter will be named 
USCGC Joseph Gerczak. Joseph's sister and only surviving sibling, 92-
year-old Stella Gerczak, will be in attendance at the ship's 
commissioning. Stella lives in my community, and we owe her, Joseph, 
and their entire family a debt of gratitude we will never be able to 
fully repay.
  The commissioning of the USCGC Joseph Gerczak is just one way we can 
show our heartfelt and lasting gratitude for a brave young man who gave 
his life in service to our great nation.

                          ____________________