[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 35 (Friday, February 25, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E179-E180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF RICHARD JENKINS' OUTSTANDING MILITARY SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MIKE GALLAGHER

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 25, 2022

  Mr. GALLAGHER. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize World War 
Two veteran Richard Jenkins for his incredible role in liberating 
Czechoslovakia in May 1945. Today the Czech Republic will present him 
with an Honorary Commemorative Medal of Merit in Liberating 
Czechoslovakia during World War Two. Shortly after the attacks on Pearl 
Harbor, Mr. Jenkins and his brothers enlisted in the United States 
Military, leaving their home in Michigan. After training in Louisiana, 
Mr. Jenkins was assigned to be a member of the 8th Armored Division, 
130th Ordnance Maintenance Battalion of the United States Army. He was 
then deployed to England in January 1945 for further training. After 
reaching Europe, the 8th Armored Division attempted to quickly push 
through the Hurtgen Forest on the border of Belgium and Germany. Mr. 
Jenkins provided crucial support to ensure the United States' success 
in the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Jenkins and his ordnance provided the 
support needed by the 8th Armored Division as they successfully pushed 
back the German Army. Refueling and mechanical assistance were some of 
Mr. Jenkins' many roles in the 130th Ordnance, without this support the 
8th Division may not have been able to traverse the thick Hurtgen 
forest. After success at the Battle of the Bulge, the 8th Armored 
Division transitioned toward Czechoslovakia. On May 8, 1945, Nazi 
Germany surrendered to the Allies, bringing an end to World War Two in 
the European Theater. Then, in late May, the 8th Armored Division was 
ordered to Czechoslovakia to assist in the processing of prisoners of 
war, operating displaced person camps, and guarding vital 
installations. The assistance of Mr. Jenkins and the 8th Armored 
Division was integral to the liberation of Czechoslovakia. The 
successful liberation of Czechoslovakia as a result of the impressive 
effort of U.S. troops and the citizens of Pilsen is still celebrated 
today. The Pilsen Festival in The Czech Republic celebrates the key 
assistance the United States and our troops played in liberating the 
country from Nazi rule. Without heroes like Mr. Jenkins, we may not be 
able to celebrate these freedoms.

[[Page E180]]

  Madam Speaker, I once again thank Richard Jenkins for his service to 
the United States and the assistance he provided in the Liberation of 
Czechoslovakia. Northeast Wisconsin can be proud that a hero like Mr. 
Jenkins is being honored by the Czech Republic for his service and 
sacrifice. I urge all colleagues to join me in recognizing these 
outstanding men and women.

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