[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 23, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING PRIVATE MARTIN A. TREPTOW

  Mrs. ERNST. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Martin A. Treptow 
who bravely served as a private in the U.S. Army during the First World 
War.
  Martin enlisted in the Iowa National Guard in 1917 while working as a 
barber in Cherokee, IA, and was soon stationed in France as part of the 
168th Infantry of the 42nd Division, the famed Rainbow Division. During 
the assault on Hill 212 on La Croix Rouge Farm, Martin courageously 
volunteered to deliver an important message to another platoon, despite 
heavy enemy fire. Martin successfully completed his mission but paid 
the ultimate sacrifice in doing so.
  As his belongings were being prepared to send home to his family and 
friends, Martin's diary was found. His diary included an entry entitled 
``My Pledge,'' and Martin had written: ``America must win this war. 
Therefore, I will work, I will save, I will ensure, I will fight 
cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle 
depended on me alone.''
  I ask my colleagues to join me as I proudly recognize Martin A. 
Treptow, whose heroic actions and inspiring words epitomize the duty 
and sacrifice of all the brave men and women who serve and have served 
the United States in defense of our freedom.

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