[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 159 (Friday, October 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING JOHN J. DAY, JR. AND HIS NOMINATION FOR THE FRENCH LEGION 
                                OF HONOR

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                          HON. TROY BALDERSON

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 4, 2019

  Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
achievements of John J. Day, Jr., in honor of his nomination and 
confirmation of France's highest distinction of military and civil 
merits, the French Legion of Honor.
  In October of 1942, during the height of World War II, John answered 
his nation's call and joined the United States Army as a member of the 
90th Infantry Division, a regiment that later earned the title of 
``Tough Hombres.'' Deployed to Europe two years later, the Tough 
Hombres arrived on English soil on Easter Sunday, 1944. Soon after 
their arrival, John, along with his regiment, boarded a ship for 
Normandy. At the young age of 21, John courageously defended his 
country two days after D-Day in the Battle of the Seves River. Taken 
off the front line on July 22, 1944, John completed his assignment at a 
Postal Unit in Avon, France. John was finally discharged from the Army 
in November 1945, six months after World War II ended.
  John returned to civilian life and to his work with the Pennsylvania 
Central Railroad system in New York. Following his retirement, John and 
his late wife, Mary Ann, enjoyed traveling across the country, visiting 
children and grandchildren. John currently resides in Galena, Ohio, 
where he is an active member of the Westerville Chapter of the VFW.
  A decorated veteran, John has been awarded numerous awards such as 
the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the 
Combat Infantry Badge, just to name a few. The French Legion of Honor 
adds to the extensive list of awards and recognitions John received 
throughout his distinguished career, though it does not scratch the 
surface of the number of reasons we owe a debt of gratitude to John for 
his service to our country.
  Consul General of France will officially present John with his medal 
on October 8 in Westerville, Ohio. I am confident that John's impact 
will be an enduring one, and that this ceremony will be cherished by 
his family and friends. I thank John for his service, and I am proud to 
join in recognizing John J. Day, Jr., as he receives this distinguished 
and well-deserved honor.

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