[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 88 (Thursday, May 20, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S3190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO A. ED MAIRERLE

 Mr. DAINES. Mr. President. Today I have the distinct honor of 
recognizing A. Ed Maierle of Cascade County as Montanan of the Month 
for his service to our country during World War II. Ed is also 
celebrating his 100th birthday on June 6, 2021, which is the 77th 
anniversary of the D-Day invasion in France.
  Ed enlisted in the U.S. Navy after Pearl Harbor was bombed. He was 
sent to Hawaii and became an ``Avenger,'' a member of a torpedo bomber 
squadron stationed at Pearl Harbor. Ed also manned a 50-caliber machine 
gun on a PBY, a WWII seaplane. He later was stationed for 2 years as 
propeller specialist with a B-24 squadron on Esperitu Santo New Heberde 
Island. As part of this squadron, he flew daily missions, scouting for 
the dreaded A6M Zero Japanese fighter planes.
  After the war, Ed was stationed for 1 year at Whidbey Island, WA, 
before returning to Montana. For two summers, Ed and his wife, Mary 
Alice, became the first couple in the United States to man a U.S. 
Forest Service fire watch lookout tower. Following this adventure, Ed 
embarked on a very successful career in the insurance business. He and 
Mary Alice were very active in community service. They both shared a 
strong faith in the Lord and were recognized for their 24 years of 
service in the Helena area nursing home ministry.
  Ed epitomizes the heart of a veteran--a Montana hero--whose selfless 
service must not be forgotten. On behalf of a grateful nation, I want 
to thank Ed for his service to our country, and I wish you a very happy 
birthday celebration with your family.

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