[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 71 (Monday, April 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E451-E452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING UNITED STATES ARMY PRIVATE WALTER A. SMEAD FOR HIS HEROIC 
   SACRIFICE AT THE BATTLE OF CHOSIN RESERVOIR DURING THE KOREAN WAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 26, 2021

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Army Private 
Walter A. Smead for his heroic sacrifice at the Battle of Chosin 
Reservoir during the Korean War, where he ultimately gave his life for 
his country at the young age of 24. His remains were recently returned 
to the United States in 2018 and at long last, identified in March of 
2021, after he was listed as missing in action in 1950 and then 
presumed dead since 1953.
  Private Smead was born and raised in Saratoga County, New York in the 
Town of Hadley. After enlisting in the Army and joining Battery A, 57th 
Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, he was deployed to 
Europe in World War II and then to Korea when the North invaded the 
South in 1950. Private Smead was reported missing in action at the 
Battle of Chosin Reservoir after his unit valiantly provided cover for 
retreating forces before retreating themselves. In 1953, he was 
presumed dead but, for decades, Private Smead's family had no body to 
bury or knowledge of how he ultimately met his end. The conflict at the 
Chosin Reservoir saw more than 7,500 American casualties on the 
battlefield, and thousands more perished due to freezing temperatures 
and harsh conditions.
  Through the dedication and perseverance of the Defense POW/MIA 
Accounting Agency, the remains of Private Smead were finally identified 
on March 17, 2021 through DNA matching. His brother and fellow U.S. 
Army veteran, Douglas, never stopped searching or gave up hope that he 
would discover additional information about his brother's death. This 
recent discovery can hopefully provide closure to Private Smead's 
family. His brave sacrifice in the line of duty helped to ensure the 
safety of countless U.S. service members, and for his valor, he was 
posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Korean Ambassador for 
Peace medal.
  Private Smead will finally receive the burial he deserves with full 
military honors at the Saratoga National Cemetery this summer. On 
behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to 
remember Private Smead's great sacrifice, and I thank him for his 
service to his country, protecting our American ideals of freedom and 
democracy for all.

[[Page E452]]

  

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