[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 129 (Tuesday, July 31, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S5512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING EUGENE EARLEY

  Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life and legacy 
of a brave American, Eugene Joseph Earley.
  Eugene's story begins in 1884 in Watertown, MN, where he was born to 
Bernard and Cordelia Earley. He was one of 16 children. He grew up on 
his parents' farm, learning independence, grit, and an ability to fend 
for himself.
  From his parents' farm, he left to homestead and log the nearby 
forests in the Black River Country of Northern Koochiching County, MN. 
There, his determination was tested by the hot summers and long, brutal 
winters. Through the many challenges he faced, Eugene persevered.
  After the United States entered World War I, Eugene enlisted as a 
private in the U.S. Army 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division. It 
wasn't long before he was deployed to France as a part of the American 
Expeditionary Forces led by General John Pershing.
  Under Pershing's command, Eugene prepared for battle. On September 
12, 1918, in Saint-Mihiel, France, Eugene and his comrades contributed 
to a major turning point. The American offensive caught the Germans 
unaware and in the process of retreating. The courage and determination 
of the American forces solidified the stature of U.S. military might in 
the eyes of our European allies and enemies.
  During the second day of fighting, Eugene endured a shrapnel wound 
that would prove fatal. He died on the field of combat in northeast 
France, less than 2 months before the end of the war. Eugene was just 
24 years old. He is buried in the Saint-Mihiel American Cemetery in 
Thiaucourt, France, alongside 4,153 of his fellow fallen comrades.
  Back in Minnesota, Eugene's family honored his memory and mourned his 
death for the rest of their lives. In the years after his death, 
Eugene's mother established a local American Legion Post in his name. 
Watertown American Legion Post 121 still honors the memory and the name 
of Eugene Earley today.
  Earlier this year, Eugene's grand-nephew Jim Bruggeman and his 
daughters Megan and Molly traveled to France to visit his grave. 
Through their hard work, Eugene was awarded with the Purple Heart Medal 
in the centennial year of his death. His life and brave service will 
live on through this honor and the memory that his loved ones hold 
dear.
  To Eugene Joseph Earley, on behalf of myself, Montana, and a grateful 
nation, I extend our deepest thanks for Eugene's service, sacrifice, 
and valor.

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