[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 11, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H4399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING HENRY PARHAM

  (Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission 
to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
pay tribute to one of my constituents, Mr. Henry Parham, who is 
believed to be the last surviving African American combat veteran from 
D-day. Mr. Parham served in the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the 
only African American combat unit to land in Normandy on June 6, 1944.
  Men from the 320th were in the first waves to land on Omaha Beach 
that day. They had the vital task of preventing enemy aircraft from 
attacking the beaches where men in equipment were pouring ashore. Their 
balloons prevented enemy planes from making effective attacks, but the 
balloons also made excellent targets for enemy fire.
  Back then, the Army, like most of American society, was segregated. 
Nevertheless, these African Americans risked their lives to serve their 
country, even as Blacks faced Jim Crow laws and racist violence back 
home.
  Needless to say, the German bombs and bullets didn't discriminate. 
Two thousand Americans died on Omaha Beach that day, including men from 
the 320th. Many more were wounded.
  I want to recognize Henry Parham from the 320th Barrage Balloon 
Battalion for his heroic service to our country. I am very proud to 
represent Mr. Parham in Congress.

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