[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 92 (Friday, May 15, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E448-E449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF BOBBY DUKE RORER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 15, 2020

  Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Bobby Duke Rorer. 
Mr. Rorer was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky, lived for many years in 
Lawrenceburg, and currently resides at the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center 
in Wilmore, Kentucky, He celebrates his 96th birthday on May 29th.
  Mr. Rorer volunteered to serve his country during World War II. He 
enlisted in the United States Army on July 3, 1942, soon after turning 
17. He served as a Technician Fifth Grade with the 871st Airborne 
Engineers Company C. His Company was shipped to the South Pacific, 
where they moved through the islands building airstrips. They were 
under constant attack by the Japanese. Mr. Rorer suffered twice from 
malaria.
  During a time that his company was a Tsili Tsili, a Japanese bomber 
crashed and exploded. The explosion was massive and Rorer was buried 
alive. Fortunately, he was dug out but lost his hearing, He encountered 
heavy fighting, illness, a typhoon, and many other difficulties as his 
company continued building airstrips throughout the islands.
  After serving for more than 3 years. Mr. Rorer was honorably 
discharged on January 3rd, 1946. For his service, he was awarded the 
Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the 
Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Service Star, the American 
Theater Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Award, and the World War II Victory 
Medal. He returned home and became a heavy equipment operator. In his 
own words, ``I am proud to have served my country in its greatest time 
of need.''
  It is my honor to recognize Mr. Rorer, celebrate his 96th birthday 
and thank him for his service and sacrifice to our nation during

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World War II. As a part of ``The Greatest Generation'', Mr. Rorer and 
his fellow soldiers fought to preserve the freedoms that we enjoy 
today, and we can never thank them enough. I am forever grateful for 
Americans like Bobby Duke Rorer.

                          ____________________