[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 13 (Thursday, January 20, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E55-E56]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HAPPY 107TH BIRTHDAY TO CAPTAIN SYDNEY COLE

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 20, 2022

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain 
Sydney Cole as he celebrates his 107th birthday. A decorated World War 
II veteran and lifelong resident of Buffalo, Mr. Cole is a beloved 
fixture of his community. Mr. Cole is a true inspiration to all those 
around him.
  Mr. Cole grew up in Buffalo, New York, and attended City Honors High 
School, where he was later inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Hall 
of Fame. Before the United States entered World War II, Mr. Cole 
enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1943, Mr. Cole joined the 
United States Army to continue to support the Allies. Then, First 
Lieutenant Cole recalls flying the artillery observation plane for the 
776th Field Artillery Battalion and being involved in the Battle of 
Rhineland and the Battle of Bulge. Mr. Cole will never forget what 
happened in the early morning hours of January 2, 1945, when his plane 
was shot down. Mr. Cole heroically saved his copilot, risking his life 
and becoming a prisoner of war. Captain Cole then went on to serve at a 
POW camp before discharging from the Army on December 27, 1945.
  The immense bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice of Mr. Cole does not 
go unrecognized. Mr. Cole's exemplary service to our country is honored 
through his numerous medals and awards, including the Purple Heart 
Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and POW Medal.
  Mr. Cole returned to Buffalo to marry the love of his life, Sybil, 
and raise their son Richard together. From 1978 to retirement, he was 
the owner of Cole Motors and worked as the manager of the Buffalo 
Athletic Club. Mr. Cole is highly cherished and admired in the 
community for his extraordinary lifetime of accomplishments.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Captain Cole a very happy 
107th birthday. I look forward to celebrating many more milestones in 
the coming years and wish to extend my greatest gratitude to Captain 
Cole for his service and dedication to our country.

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