[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 194 (Thursday, November 4, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING GILBERT GEORGE PROSEK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE BOST

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 4, 2021

  Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Gilbert 
George Prosek, a World War II hero who lost his life in the Pacific 
Theater in 1944. Gilbert was born October 1, 1921, to George and 
Theresa Prosek of Chester, IL. He was known to his friends and family 
as ``Gib,'' and he was familiar for his happy-go-lucky perspective on 
life. Gilbert lost his father when he was five years old, with he and 
his mother looking after one another until she remarried to Ben 
Sebastian. Gilbert had three half-sisters: Helen, Shirly, and Joyce. At 
16 years old, Gilbert took a job at the Prim Hosiery Knitting Mill. He 
enlisted in the Marines at 21, in 1942. The last time most of Gilbert's 
family saw him was at his going away party, the day he left for basic 
training. After receiving a Private First Class ranking, Prosek was 
stationed on Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island. There, he made three 
charges across a stream to put an enemy gunman out of action and 
provide covering fire for another member out of his platoon. During 
this act of heroism, Gilbert's position was exposed and he lost his 
life. His family was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism 
and devotion to duty. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Gilbert 
George Prosek of Chester, IL, as we mark 100 years since his birth. On 
behalf of Southern Illinois, we thank him and his family for their 
selfless sacrifice in defense of our freedoms.

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