[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 172 (Wednesday, October 30, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1370-E1371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING EDWARD MORRISSETTE, WWII VET AND LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL 
                         RECIPIENT FROM FRANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON BACON

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 30, 2019

  Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize World War II 
Veteran Edward H. Morrissette of Omaha who will be awarded with 
France's highest distinction--the Legion of Honor--on October 30, 2019 
for his heroism and courage in the liberation of France.
  Mr. Morrissette enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940, at the age of 17. 
He served with the 16th Regiment, First Infantry Division, also known 
as ``The Big Red One,'' as a machine gun squad leader and military 
policeman. From August 1942 until September 1945, he participated in 
the campaigns of North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, Northern France, 
Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe.

[[Page E1371]]

  On June 6, 1944 Edward landed at Omaha Beach as part of the second 
wave. He then went on to fight in the Battle of the Hedgerows and 
participated in the capture of St. Lo and many other cities in 
Normandy. During the fall and winter of 1944-45, he fought in the 
Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge before entering Germany and 
later Czechoslovakia.
  After the war, Mr. Morrissette obtained a civil engineering degree 
from Indiana Tech University and spent most of his career with the U.S. 
Air Force including time at Langley Air Force Base at Norfolk, Virginia 
and March Air Force Base in Southern California. In 1972, he moved to 
Nebraska and was employed by Offutt Air Force Base, where he retired in 
1981 as the Deputy Director of Operations and Maintenance for Strategic 
Air Command.
  For his actions during World War II, he was awarded the Bronze Star 
Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, the Good Conduct 
Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, and the Distinguished Unit 
Badge.
  The Legion of Honor is the highest distinction that France can bestow 
upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for France. Founded by 
Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the National Order of the Legion of Honor 
recognizes eminent service to the French Republic. Recipients of this 
honor are named by a decree signed by the President of the Republic. 
The Consul General will present the medal on behalf President Macron of 
France on October 29, 2019.
  I personally thank Mr. Morrissette for his many years of sacrificial 
service to our country, and the liberation of so many in France. 
Without courageous men like him, World War II might have had a 
completely different ending. Congratulations to Edward on receiving 
this prestigious honor. It is well deserved.

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