[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 106 (Monday, June 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SACRIFICES OF PFC CHARLES N. 
                               DeGLOPPER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 24, 2019

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
75th Anniversary of the valiant heroism and sacrifice of Private First-
Class Charles Neilans DeGlopper during World War II.
  Charles N. DeGlopper was born in Grand Island, New York on November 
30, 1921. He entered the United States Army in 1942, serving in 
deployments to North Africa, Sicily, Italy and France.
  With his C Company 1st Battalion under attack, Private First Class 
DeGlopper volunteered to distract enemy troops so the C Company could 
establish the first Allied bridgehead across the Mederet River at La 
Fiere, France. He continued to fight in full view of the German troops 
to defend his comrades, despite being wounded several times. PFC 
DeGlopper's gallant and self-sacrificing actions were an integral part 
of an important tactical victory during the Battle of Normandy.
  Private First Class DeGlopper was killed in action on June 9th, 1944 
at just 22 years of age. In 1946 he was posthumously awarded the Medal 
of Honor for heroically sacrificing his life during the infamous Battle 
of Normandy. The official citation recognizes PFC DeGlopper's ``gallant 
sacrifice and unflinching heroism while facing unsurmountable odds.''
  The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against 
enemy forces presented to United States military personnel. PFC 
DeGlopper was the only soldier from the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment 
and the only member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army in 
the Normandy Campaign to be awarded the Medal of Honor. For his 
service, he was also awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.
  PFC DeGlopper has become the hallmark of bravery and sacrifice in the 
Western New York community and beyond. The U.S. Army Reserve Center in 
Tonawada is named in PFC DeGlopper's honor and the Charles N. DeGlopper 
Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9249 in Grand Island honors 
the service of DeGlopper through its work supporting today's veterans.
  Madam Speaker, I proudly recognize a hometown hero and true patriot, 
Private First Class Charles DeGlopper. We, as a grateful nation, are 
forever indebted for his valiant service and incredible bravery 75 
years ago.

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