[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 201 (Thursday, November 18, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1251-E1252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING DR. DIETER MARTIN GRUEN'S 99TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SEAN CASTEN

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2021

  Mr. CASTEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Dr. Dieter 
Martin Gruen's 99th birthday, honor his service and contributions to 
the scientific community, and record my continued support for his 
nomination for the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  For nearly eight decades, Dr. Gruen has worked to enhance American 
technology development as a former Manhattan Project Scientist and 
Argonne National Laboratory Distinguished Fellow. Born in 1922, Dr. 
Gruen is an

[[Page E1252]]

internationally esteemed German-American chemist, inventor, and 
innovator who immigrated to the U.S. from Nazi Germany in 1936. 
Throughout his career, Dr. Gruen has been driven by his curiosity and 
commitment to science--allowing him to make critical contributions to 
nuclear fission and fusion, solar energy, energy storage, and 
conservation. Specifically, Dr. Gruen has made several key 
technological advancements such as the nuclear submarine reactor 
cooling design and purification of uranium used to end World War II in 
the Pacific theater.
  Through this work and countless other selfless endeavors, Dr. Gruen 
has been recognized by the international scientific community with 
numerous awards--including from Argonne National Laboratory, 
Northwestern University, and the Patent Law Association of Chicago--for 
his pioneering research in chemistry, physics, along with the emerging 
fields of materials and nanoscience. Dr. Gruen has been granted over 60 
U.S. patents for his work in alternative energy and discoveries in 
interdisciplinary subjects. His lifelong contribution to science and 
alternative energy technology is exemplary and his work continues 
through today. Dr. Gruen's tireless efforts to solve future clean 
energy challenges presented by climate change is seldom exhibited by an 
individual. Humble and unpretentious, Dr. Gruen has and remains the 
embodiment of a dedicated American and pure scientist.
  Dr. Gruen's story is the story of many immigrant Americans: those who 
left behind places of persecution, discrimination, and lack of 
opportunity for a brighter future. Those who arrived on our shores and 
helped build our nation through their hard-work, courageous spirit, 
unyielding dedication, and personal sacrifice. His courage and tenacity 
is an inspiration for us all.
  Through the years, I have had the great pleasure of sitting down with 
Dr. Gruen, and learned from his countless stories about his work on the 
Manhattan Project, the nuts and bolts of nuclear fission technology, 
and his unique journey to the United States. At 99, Dr. Gruen still 
sees the world as a place of vast opportunities for technological 
innovation, a quality that I know encourages my own optimism to tackle 
issues facing our society.
  For the reasons mentioned here and many more, I sincerely believe 
that Dr. Dieter Gruen should be awarded the Presidential Medal of 
Freedom for his lifelong contributions to science and technology that 
continue today. Dr. Gruen's tireless efforts to solve future energy 
challenges is seldom exhibited by an individual. Humble and 
unpretentious, Dr. Gruen has and remains the embodiment of a dedicated 
American and pure scientist.
  In April 2021, my colleagues Representatives Bill Foster, French 
Hill, Jerry McNerney, and Cheri Bustos joined me in supporting Dr. 
Gruen's nomination for the highest civilian award in this country. Dr. 
Gruen has dedicated his life to science and made monumental 
contributions to shaping the United States as a leader and world power 
in technology, innovation, and national defense.
  Congratulations to Dr. Gruen for his decades of accomplishments and 
exceptional contributions to science and the national security 
interests of the United States. I cannot think of a more deserving 
citizen for this award and today I wish him the happiest of birthdays.

                          ____________________