[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 104 (Thursday, June 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN MEMORY OF HERMAN ``HERK'' STREITBURGER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHRIS PAPPAS

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 2020

  Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Herman ``Herk'' 
Streitburger, a World War II hero and prisoner of war who passed away 
in late May, less than a month before his 101st birthday. Through both 
his military service and his subsequent community engagement, Herk will 
be remembered as a shining example of American fortitude, ingenuity, 
and empathy.
  During World War II, Herk served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a 
radio operator and gunner on a B-24 Liberator bomber. During his final 
mission with the 98th Bombardment Group, his plane was shot down over 
German territory. He was taken to the Stalag Luft IV prison camp, where 
he and fellow prisoners listened to war reports on a contraband radio 
they carefully concealed in a hollow table leg. Buoyed by radio reports 
of Allied success, they made a risky escape during a deadly winter 
march. After being caught by a German soldier, Herk's quick thinking 
and compassion secured their safety: he spoke German with the officer, 
offered him coffee and a smuggled American cigarette, and they shook 
hands, parting in peace.
  After the war, Herk attended college through the GI bill and later 
started a family, first on Long Island before moving to Bedford in 
1967. Following a career in marketing, he spent decades mentoring small 
business owners with SCORE and visiting with school groups to talk 
about his POW experience and life lessons. All those who knew Herk or 
ever heard him speak remarked at his positive attitude and optimism 
about life.
  Herk was an engaged member of local and regional veterans 
associations, including Honor Flight New England, the American Legion 
NH, the NH Ex-POW Chapter #1, and the Northeast POW/MIA Network. In his 
community, he was admired for his ardent faith, generosity, and 
optimism.
  On behalf of all of my constituents in New Hampshire's First 
Congressional District, I share my condolences to Herk's four children, 
seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. May Herk 
Streitburger's memory be for a blessing.

                          ____________________