[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 102 (Friday, June 11, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING EUGENE DOLLARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOSEPH D. MORELLE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 11, 2021

  Mr. MORELLE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished 
service of Mr. Eugene Dollard of Hamlin, New York. On June 9, 2021, Mr. 
Dollard was presented with the Legion of Honor Medal, an honor given to 
those who demonstrate unparalleled courage and patriotism in the face 
of mortal danger and France's highest accolade conferred for military 
bravery and service. In 1943, when he turned eighteen, Mr. Dollard 
enlisted in the United States Navy. A year later, on June 4, 1944, Mr. 
Dollard participated in the largest naval invasion in history, D-day. 
On that fateful morning, Mr. Dollard sailed with the U.S.S. Henrico 
under the command of Rear Admiral John Hall. Departing from Portland, 
England, the Henrico crossed the English Channel transporting the 16th 
Regiment of the First Infantry Division. Under heavy fire, the Henrico 
delivered the infantry to Omaha Beach. During the fighting, Mr. Dollard 
manned twenty-millimeter machine guns while under attack from German 
artillery and aircraft. Then, under continued fire, he landed on the 
beach and administered first aid to the wounded. As the fighting raged 
on, Mr. Dollard did what he could to assist the wounded soldiers who 
were taken back to the Henrico. After D-day, he moved on to the 
Mediterranean theatre serving his country honorably in Morocco, 
Algeria, and Italy. Mr. Dollard was then transferred to the U.S.S. 
Chilton in the Pacific where he fought in the Battle of Okinawa. During 
a Japanese bombing raid, he was sheltering in a bunker when he spotted 
shadowy figures moving on the beach. Crawling out into the darkness, he 
tackled a Japanese General. Although unarmed, Mr. Dollard was able to 
overpower the General and capture him, eventually turning the Japanese 
General over to the Military Police. After three years of service, Mr. 
Dollard was honorably discharged from the United States Navy in 1945. 
Returning to Hamlin, he has lived a full life: running a business, 
raising a family, and leaving his mark on the world for generations to 
come. Mr. Dollard is an extraordinary example of commitment and 
selfless service.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Mr. Eugene Dollard.

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