[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 30, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND PATRIOTIC SERVICE OF THOMAS E. COPPINGER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 30, 2022

  Mr. FALLON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the 
life and service of Thomas Edwin Coppinger. Thomas honorably served in 
the United States Marine Corps during the Second World War and the 
United States Army during the Korean War. Today, he is survived by his 
brother Don Coppinger, his sisters Sandra Tate and Sharon Reilly, and 
many more nieces, nephews, and cousins. All of whom carry on the memory 
of this great American hero.
  Thomas was born on March 22, 1922, in Greenville, TX to Thomas `Tom' 
Richard and Eula Belle Coppinger. He attended high school in Greenville 
and worked on his grandparents' farm and as a delivery man. Ultimately, 
in April of 1941 at the young age of nineteen, Thomas decided to enlist 
in the Marine Corps to serve his country in the Second World War. He 
saw combat during his missions in the Pacific theatre from early 1942 
to 1944. Moreover, he served in Samoa, Hawaii, and the Gilbert Islands 
and was honorably discharged in December 1945. After returning home to 
Texas, Thomas again heeded the call for duty and reenlisted into the 
United States Army in 1948, where he valiantly served in the Second 
Armored Division to defend our Nation and allies. On September 1, 1950, 
Thomas tragically lost his life on a combat mission in Korea, and he 
posthumously received the Purple Heart for his service and bravery.
  On July 27, 1951, Thomas Edwin Coppinger was laid to rest with full 
military honors in Wieland Cemetery, Greenville, TX. At the time of his 
death, Thomas was survived by his parents and 12 siblings. On March 22, 
2022, we celebrate what would have been Thomas' 100th Birthday. I pray 
that the memory of this patriot will live on for yet another hundred 
years and beyond.
  I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's 
Capital to recognize Thomas Coppinger's patriotism and devotion to God, 
Family, and Country. Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I extend my personal 
condolences to the Coppinger family for the loss of such an 
extraordinary man of service and duty. May God rest the soul of this 
great American.

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