[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 206 (Monday, December 7, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1100-E1101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF ROBERT PITTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 7, 2020

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
the life of Robert Pitts. Bob represents the best of our greatest 
generation, and I am forever indebted to him for his service to this 
nation. As a fellow member of the 150th Combat Engineer Batallion, I am 
grateful for the precedent set by these brave soldiers.
  Bob was born in 1923, the second oldest of ten siblings. In the 
height of the Great Depression, Bob often found himself working odd 
jobs after school to support his family. In the 8th grade he dropped 
out and attended Boston Trade School to train as an electrician.
  In 1943, Bob enlisted in the United States Army. After training in 
Ft. Devens, he joined the 150th Engineer Battalion, an experimental 
unit comprised mostly of New England locals. After Basic and 
Engineering Training, Bob relocated to New York to continue his 
training as an electrician. The outfit returned from West Virginia and 
trained in a mock German village at Camp Edwards. On Christmas, Bob 
deployed with the 150th on the Queen Mary to Europe.
  While overseas, Bob was assigned as batallion photographer. His 
duties included taking photos of unit operations, which often placed 
him in the line of fire. He was awarded the Bronze Star for actions 
under fire while operating in Germany. He was also awarded the rank of 
Tech5. After VE Day, TSGT 5 Pitts and his unit were sent to 
Czechoslovakia and returned to the states with different outfits. What 
distinguishes the 150th is their continued relationship. For more than 
sixty years the unit enjoyed annual gatherings. After the war, Bob 
pursued his interest in engineering at MIT. He worked on some of the 
earliest computers and earned the title Electronic Engineer Assistant.
  Mr. Pitts was married to Eleanor M. Hathaway for 48 years before her 
passing in 1998. Together, they had three children; Robert, Nancy, and 
Richard. His youngest built and mantains the webpage for the 150th 
batallion, honoring his father's memory and the accomplishments of the 
unit.

[[Page E1101]]

  Robert Pitts was an outstanding man dedicated to family, faith, and 
country. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

                          ____________________