[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 33 (Friday, February 18, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING EDWARD ``ED'' A. TORIELLO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY KIM

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 18, 2022

  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor, Edward 
``Ed'' A. Toriello, a World War II veteran, as he celebrates his 100th 
birthday today.
  Sergeant First Class (SFC) Ed Toriello proudly served his country in 
Patton's 3rd Army during World War II. In 1944, he was a recent 
graduate from St. John's University's Divinity School looking to enter 
the priesthood when a week later, he answered the call to serve his 
country. Following six months of training he was sent to the European 
Theatre where he first served as a combat medic, then a scout in the 
76th infantry regiment. Ed was supposed to remain in the country and go 
to Officer Candidate School, but at the height of the war, the Army 
needed more enlisted men, and he was immediately deployed overseas. 
During the frigid winter of 1944-45, he and his unit were sent to help 
stop the last German offensive of the war at the Battle of the Bulge. 
The 76th infantry regiment was then tasked with securing the Remagen 
Bridge in March of 1945, a crucial action that allowed the Allies to 
enter Germany. This single event's success is credited with shortening 
the war.
  Throughout his service, Ed exemplified bravery and resilience as his 
unit suffered heavy losses. Edward is a decorated soldier, earning 
numerous commendations including 3 Service Stars, the Combat Medic 
Badge, and the Combat Infantry Rifle Badge. After Germany's surrender, 
he was assigned to the U.S. sector in Southern Germany where he was 
offered to then attend Officer Candidate School as he had originally 
intended. Instead, he decided to return to civilian life and as he 
describes it, ``the rest was history''.
  Ed Toriello returned to Brooklyn where he met his wife to be, Zina 
Toriello nee Caruba, and together they went on to have six children. 
They ultimately moved to Southern Ocean County in 1977 where he quickly 
became a beacon of positivity within the community. He remained active 
as a community volunteer and leader in numerous organizations such as 
Kiwanis International, Italian American Social and Civic Association, 
and the Knights of Columbus. Ed also served as a trustee for three 
decades with South Ocean's Medical Center and started a beloved local 
fundraising concert for the facility that has raised over $100,000 to 
date. Today, Ed enjoys watching the Yankees and cooking for his friends 
and family.
  Edward A. Toriello is a distinguished member of our community whose 
heroic actions during the Second World War set the trajectory for a 
life of servitude that has positively impacted those around him and 
will continue to benefit generations to come.

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