[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 185 (Tuesday, November 19, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING IRENE BLESSING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LARRY BUCSHON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 19, 2019

  Mr. BUCSHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Irene Blessing, who 
will be celebrating her 100th birthday on November 23, 2019. Irene is 
the oldest living female veteran in Vanderburgh County, having served 
as an Army nurse in World War II.
  Born the daughter of a World War I Navy veteran, Irene felt the call 
to serve her country after the United States was drawn into World War 
II. After enlisting on May 26, 1943, she made her way to the 228th Army 
Hospital in Sherborne, England. Her most trying moments in the hospital 
came in the wake of D-Day. After being woken up by the deafening noise 
of airplane engines overhead, Irene and the rest of the hospital staff 
began receiving patients two days later. The incoming flow of patients 
was so steady that the hospital hardly had time to do the laundry. 
Despite the stressful circumstances, Irene served with distinction and 
honor, providing quality care for wounded Allied soldiers. She and her 
fellow nurses also graciously treated wounded German prisoners-of-war. 
When asked retrospectively about the hospital's treatment of German 
soldiers, she said, ``They were people, and we had to do it.'' After 
two years of service, Irene was honorably discharged.
  Irene's dedicated service has inspired Hoosiers and fellow 
Midwesterners throughout her life, especially her own family. Her two 
sons, Arthur and Paul Midle, followed her footsteps into the armed 
forces, serving in the Marine Corps and the Air Force respectively.
  Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to recognize Irene on 
her great milestone. On behalf of Indiana's 8th District, I wish her 
well and I thank her for her service to our country.