[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING WWII ARMY PRIVATE WALTER J. KOWALCZYK ON THE 78TH 
                          ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 2022

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
sacrifices of Walter J. Kowalczyk, a U.S. Army Private who earned a 
Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and a Presidential Unit Citation while 
serving in the battles following the Invasion of Normandy.
  Walter Kowalczyk was born in Niagara Falls in 1916 to Franciszek 
Kowalczyk and Sophie Smiech, Polish immigrants who had moved to the 
United States just a few years prior. Walter enlisted in the U.S. Army 
on April 23, 1941 as part of the Third Battalion, 334th Regiment, of 
the 84th Infantry Division, more commonly known as the ``Railsplitter'' 
division. He served in the European Theater of Operations from December 
8, 1944 until September 26, 1945, during which his unit supported 
troops in Normandy in the aftermath of D-Day.
  While serving as a paratrooper in Europe, Private Kowalczyk 
participated in the battles of Ardennes, Central Europe, and Rhineland. 
The campaign in Ardennes, otherwise referred to as the ``Battle of the 
Bulge'', was carried out from December 16, 1944 to January 25, 1945, 
and was the last German offensive which resulted in tremendous loss of 
life.
  Later, Private Kowalczyk's unit was awarded a Presidential Unit 
Citation for extraordinary heroism, gallantry, determination, and 
esprit de corps under unusually difficult and hazardous conditions 
during the Battle of Rhineland where he was wounded in action. The 
citation notes that the unit was assigned to the mission spearheading 
the advance between the Roer and Rhine rivers. The battalion 
encountered and defeated considerable enemy resistance, but advanced 42 
miles along the banks of the Rhine River in 12 days. During the advance 
they captured and defended a strategically important German town, as 
well as several other cities, towns, and villages. Despite little rest 
and aggressive attacks from the enemy, the Third Battalion, 334th 
Infantry's conspicuous bravery and dauntless determination played a 
critical role in the Allied Forces advancement deep into Germany.
  Private Kowalczyk was honorably discharged from the military on 
October 10, 1945 after more than four years of service. After serving, 
he returned to Niagara County and worked for Tam Ceramics before 
retiring in 1981. In Western New York he was a member of United Steel 
Workers, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Lewiston Fire 
Company No. 1, Power City Lodge, Italian Daughters and Sons of America, 
and St. Peter's Church. An avid sportsman, he participated in the 3F 
Sportsmen's Club and became a charter member of the North American 
Fishing Club. Additionally, he was an active member of the local 
veteran community, joining Portage Post 146 of the American Legion, the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Loyal Order of the Moose, and the Polish 
Legion of American Veterans.
  Private Kowalczyk married Sophie Saleski with whom he had three 
children: Carol, Chester, and Paul. They also had four grandchildren: 
Sarah, Michael, Teresa, and Jacquelyn as well as greatgrandchildren: 
Geffory, Maylianna, and Antonio. Walter sadly passed away on November 
12, 1993 with the shrapnel that resulted from enemy fire during the 
Battle of Rhineland still in his body. His legacy continued, however, 
as his son Chester and grandchildren Sarah and Michael all served in 
the U.S. Armed Forces.
  Madam Speaker, I take this moment to recognize the bravery of World 
War II Army Private Walter J. Kowalczyk.

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