[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 200 (Wednesday, December 19, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF MR. ANDREW FITZGERALD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2018

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of 
Mr. Andrew Fitzgerald of the United States Coast Guard, a hero and 
beloved member of the community who passed away at the age of eighty-
seven.
  Andrew Fitzgerald, a true American hero, lived an exemplary life of 
service, demonstrating a true commitment to our nation and our 
community. Born in Whitinsville, Massachusetts on March 19, 1931, he 
was always motivated to better his community. As a young man he joined 
the United States Coast Guard. He would then go on to be a part of the 
greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history and receive the Gold 
Lifesaving Medal.
  On February 18, 1952, Mr. Fitzgerald and the crewmen aboard CG-36500 
responded to two large oil tankers in distress, the Fort Mercer and the 
Pendleton. They showed exemplary skill as they navigated through high 
winds, lightning, and monstrous seas. While on their way to the 
Pendleton, the severe thrashing of the waves caused their engine to 
stall. Mr. Fitzgerald demonstrated extreme heroism as he crawled into 
their engine compartment to restart it every time, so they could 
continue on their mission. Once they arrived at the Pendleton, one by 
one, they took 32 survivors off the pitching stern and brought them 
safely to Chatham Harbor.
  Following his service in the Coast Guard, Mr. Fitzgerald went on to 
have a successful business career in Colorado. He married Gloria 
Frabotta in 1956, and together they had a daughter, Dawn and a son, 
Michael. Mr. Fitzgerald dedicated his life to caring for his loved 
ones, including volunteering at his local church. He was always ready 
to lend a helping hand to anyone who crossed his path.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Andrew Fitzgerald. I ask 
that my colleagues join me in remembering his courageous actions, and 
those of his crewmen, that saved so many lives.

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