[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 203 (Tuesday, November 23, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF MASTER SERGEANT HAROLD SHOEPFLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH NORMAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 23, 2021

  Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 
service of Master Sergeant Harold Shoepflin of South Carolina.
  A true American hero, Harold bravely served our country throughout 
World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In 1943, he enlisted 
in the Navy and was sent to Camp Perry, Virginia where he was assigned 
to a newly commissioned 72nd Construction Battalion. The battalion soon 
boarded a ship in Norfolk before heading to Pearl Harbor. In Hawaii, 
the battalion constructed runways, Quonset Huts, and a fuel tank field 
for the Navy and Marine Corps. Harold lost several close friends during 
the attack on Pearl Harbor. He also lost his brother, Bob, who was 
killed in action in Guam.
  Despite these losses, following World War II, Harold enlisted in the 
Marine Corps. From there, he went through Parris Island, Camp Lejeune, 
and Camp Pendleton. When the Korean War erupted, Harold endured Marine 
Corps Cold Weather Mountain training and then traveled to Japan with 
the 1st Armored Amphibious Battalion.
  After serving in Inchon during the Korean War, Harold returned to 
California where he spent several years at Camp Pendleton with the 7th 
Marine Engineers, attending various Leadership Schools.
  Following the outbreak of the Vietnam War, Harold's battalion shipped 
out on a landing ship tank heading for Da Nang. During his time in 
Vietnam, Harold was assigned to Iron Mountain, and was also in charge 
of Base Services Recovery in Chu Lai.
  After these many dangerous tours, Harold retired as a Master Sergeant 
in 1971. As a testament to his exemplary military career, Harold 
amassed many notable honors and accolades, including the World War II 
Navy Occupation Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Navy 
Commendation Medal with Combat ``V,'' the Presidential Unit Citation, 
the American Campaign Medal, and numerous others. Following his 
military service, Harold and his family retired to Charleston, South 
Carolina where he maintained a successful career in the insurance and 
real estate industry. He also owned and operated a shrimp boat. Harold 
enjoyed 49 years of blissful marriage to his beautiful wife Ruth until 
her passing in 1996. Together, the couple raised four wonderful 
children: Debra, Nancy, Joy, and Harold Jr. Their son Harold followed 
in his father's footsteps and went on to serve as a major in the Marine 
Corps.
  On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, I thank Harold for 
his outstanding service. He has created a lasting legacy of duty, 
honor, and courage, and our nation is better for his sacrifice.

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