[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 1, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF JOHN DeSIMONE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2018

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, 
John DeSimone, for his exemplary Military service during the Korean 
war, and his steadfast commitment to his family and his community.
  Born in New York City on June 3, 1931, John DeSimone lived in lower 
Manhattan until he moved to Astoria in 1969 with his wife, Mary Ellen 
Sapanaro DeSimone. They were married for 45 years until her passing in 
2015. They share a daughter, Maria, who lives with her husband in a 
separate apartment of the same home.
  On November 15, 1951, John DeSimone was drafted and entered the U.S. 
Army. He completed Army Basic Training at Camp Kilmer in New Jersey, 
now known as Fort Dix, and served in the Transportation Corps of the 
U.S. Army in the 13th Field Artillery Regiment, Ordnance Transportation 
Company.
  Private First Class DeSimone served with honor and conducted assigned 
tasks above the call of duty in combat conditions. PFC DeSimone was 
decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations 
Service Medal, and the Merit Unit Commendation. He was awarded three 
Bronze Stars with his Korean Service Medal for exceptionally 
meritorious service in support during the most hostile period of the 
Korean war. PFC DeSimone's outstanding performance, expertise, and 
unwavering commitment to mission accomplishment in a hostile 
environment were vital to successful combat operations. His 
contributions and dedication to duty are in keeping with the finest 
traditions of the armed forces and reflect great credit upon himself, 
his unit, and the United States Army. He was honorably discharged from 
the U.S. Army on November 4, 1953 after serving 1 year, 11 months, and 
20 days.
  Prior to his service, John DeSimone had worked as a runner for the 
New York Stock Exchange and later returned to the NYSE following his 
honorable discharge. He worked as a runner for the NYSE for forty more 
years. After retiring, Mr. DeSimone continued to serve others as a 
school crossing guard for fifteen years and an Elder in Steinway 
Reformed Church, where he was involved with the Ministry as a devout 
Protestant. When he later developed Alzheimer's, Mr. DeSimone began 
attending day programs at Sunnyside Community Service and NYU 
Horticultural program, where he was actively involved.
  Mr. Speaker, John DeSimone's service to his family, his community, 
and his country is an inspiration to all of us. I ask my colleagues to 
join me in honoring my constituent, John DeSimone, and thank him for 
his service.

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