[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 21 (Monday, February 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING PAUL RIPLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM BANKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 4, 2019

  Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the amazing life 
of Paul Ripley. On February 8, 2019, Mr. Ripley will receive the 
highest French order of merit for military and civil excellence, the 
French Legion of Honour. The Legion of Honour was founded by Napoleon 
Bonaparte as an order of merit for those who serve France and its 
people with honor.
  At the age of 95, Paul Ripley has lived a distinguished life. He was 
born in Smithton, Missouri, on February 28, 1923, and attended Smithton 
High School before going to work for a pipe company in Sedalia, 
Missouri. Paul answered the call to serve his nation during World War 
II. Upon entering the Army on April 6, 1943, he underwent basic 
training at Camp Blanding and was later deployed to France with the 
Ninth United States Army.
  Stationed at Army Headquarters near Rennes, Mr. Ripley was assigned 
to the Graves Registration Division, assisting with the identification 
and burial of his fallen brethren. He served honorably, ensuring that 
American servicemembers were buried with dignity and respect. 
Technician 5th grade Paul Ripley was honorably discharged on November 
14, 1945.
  After returning home Mr. Ripley attended the University of Tulsa 
under the G.I. Bill and then entered the nursery products industry, 
becoming the first entrepreneur to sell products directly to large 
department stores such as Ames, Target and Sears. This innovation led 
to the creation of the modern gardening department at many national 
retailers. He moved his family to Fort Wayne, Indiana, so that he could 
expand his business and better connect with his clients. Throughout his 
career, Mr. Ripley received many awards and accolades for his ingenuity 
and ethics.
  I would like to congratulate Paul Ripley and his family on this 
distinguished honor.

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