[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 194 (Thursday, November 4, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 75TH INACTIVATION ANNIVERSARY OF THE 65TH INFANTRY

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                         HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 4, 2021

  Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, today, I commemorate the 75th 
Inactivation Anniversary of General George S. Patton's 3rd Army, 65th 
Infantry Division.
  The 65th Infantry Division was activated on August 16, 1943, at Camp 
Shelby, Mississippi under the command of Major General Stanley E. 
Reinhart. Upon completion of their training, the soldiers of the 65th 
Infantry Division were transported by train to Camp Shanks, New York 
and departed via troop ships on January 10, 1945, for combat in Europe. 
In the face of severe aggression from Germany, they were transported 
aboard ships from England to a barely functional France. The 65th 
Infantry Division set up Camp Lucky Strike despite extremely harsh 
winter conditions and low supply and food rations. During the Second 
World War, this unit fulfilled its motto of ``Right to Be Proud'' as 
they fought their way to victory. The soldiers traveled a total of 850 
miles from Le Havre, France, to Enns, Austria.
  The soldiers of the 65th Infantry Division have been awarded numerous 
honors for their heroism and valor in battle. They received the 
Congressional Medal of Honor, 7 Distinguished Service Crosses, 11 
Legion of Merits, 67 Silver Stars, 4 Soldier Medals, 690 Bronze Stars, 
and 19 Air Medals.
  On August 31, 1945, the 65th Infantry Division was inactivated. A few 
years later, veterans of the unit held annual reunions to provide 
support and encouragement to their comrades in arms and to remember 
those who made the ultimate sacrifice and did not make it home.
  They were just young men when they put aside their hopes and dreams 
to answer our nation's call. Today, on behalf of the 4th Congressional 
District I am honored to recognize the heroes of the 65th Infantry 
Division on their 75th Inactivation Anniversary ceremony.
  They are truly members of the greatest generation.

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