[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 130 (Monday, July 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE LIFE AND MILITARY SERVICE OF EUGENE S. KOLUPSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 26, 2021

  Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
World War II veteran, Eugene S. Kolupski, who was laid to rest with 
full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery today, July 26, 
2021. Eugene was born on August 23, 1924, and passed away peacefully at 
his home in Encino, California, at the age of 94 on July 5, 2019.
  During the Second World War, Eugene was a part of the 885th Heavy 
Bombardment Squadron of the United States Army Air Forces. He served in 
eight campaigns, including Northern France, Southern France, North 
Apennines, Po Valley, Balkans, Rome-Arno, Naples-Foggia, and the 
Rhineland. For his valiant military service, Eugene was awarded one 
Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, and a Presidential Distinguished Unit 
Emblem with an Oak Leaf Cluster, among other medals. Before he passed, 
he was also presented the French Legion of Honor Medal by the French 
Government, France's highest honor.
  The 885th Heavy Bombardment Squadron, despite its name, never dropped 
a single bomb during the war. While under the command of the 15th Air 
Force, its missions were often top secret. They were often tasked with 
dropping Office of Strategic Service agents behind enemy territory and 
dispersing weapons and supplies to the French and Italian resistance. 
In preparation for the D-Day landings, the squadron placed agents 
behind enemy lines to obtain information on German installations and 
scout glider landing areas. They flew modified B-17 Flying Fortresses 
and B-24 Liberators that were painted black to better blend in during 
night missions. Since all of their operations were flown at unusually 
low altitudes, the 885th suffered some of the heaviest losses during 
the war.
  Eugene is survived by his wife Delores (Taroni), his children, Thomas 
and his wife, Tamara, of Seabrook, Texas; Corinne Ginett and her 
husband, James, of Sodus Point, New York; Joseph of Encino, California; 
Ann Marie Porretta of Webster, New York, his seven grandchildren, and a 
great-granddaughter.
  Madam Speaker, I honor Eugene S. Kolupski as one of the last members 
of the Greatest Generation. His faithful service to our country will 
not be forgotten, and my heartfelt prayers remain with his family and 
friends.

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