[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 161 (Thursday, September 17, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E859]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF JOHN MODDIE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 2020

  Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the life and 
service of John Moddie of Iron Mountain, Michigan. Through his extreme 
courage and selflessness, John has become an indispensable part of the 
state of Michigan.
  John enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 directly following 
his graduation from Niagara High School. After completing training at 
Fort Sheridan, Camp Roberts, and Camp Atterbury, John was shipped 
overseas to Germany. He fought for three months as a part of a field 
artillery unit, where he and his fellow men in uniform fought to repel 
the last German offensive of WWII during the Battle of the Bulge. John 
received a shrapnel wound and was captured on December 19, 1944. His 
time imprisoned as a POW would expose him to the horrific and inhumane 
treatment by the Nazis--facing severe hunger and the near constant fear 
of death. John and his fellow POWs would eventually be freed as Allied 
forces advanced through the region. Upon return home, John married his 
wife, Betty, built their home in Quinnesec, MI, and started their 
family.
  Observed annually on the third Friday of September, National POW/MIA 
Recognition Day honors those who were Prisoners of War and those who 
are still Missing in Action in service to their nation. We owe the men 
and women in uniform who were captured, missing, or unaccounted for a 
debt which can never be repaid. By coming together to honor those who 
stood up to defend and to serve, the people of Michigan's First 
District can ensure that the service and sacrifice of those in uniform 
is never forgotten.
  Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the service of John 
Moddie. Michiganders can take immense pride in knowing that the First 
District is home to such a selfless individual. On behalf of my 
constituents, I wish John all the best in his future endeavors.

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