[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 129 (Tuesday, August 2, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING ERNEST MARVEL--WORLD WAR TWO VETERAN AND RECIPIENT OF THE 
                            LEGION OF HONOR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 2, 2022

  Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
congratulate Mr. Ernest B. Marvel, proud World War Two Veteran and 
recent recipient of France's highest distinction, the Ordre national de 
la Legion d'honneur, also known as the Legion of Honor.
  On July 13, 2022, Mr. Marvel was presented the Legion of Honor by the 
French Ambassador to the United States, Phillipe Etienne. The Legion of 
Honor was first created over two centuries ago to reward eminent 
military and civil merits in service or defense of France. Created as 
an order of merit, foreign citizens may be awarded this recognition for 
their actions in support of France. For a World War Two Veteran like 
Mr. Marvel to be awarded the Legion of Honor, they must prove they were 
involved in combat operations within France.
  As a Private First Class with the 45th Infantry Division of the 
United States Army, Mr. Marvel's service demonstrated exceptional 
bravery, character, and valor. Arriving in France shortly after the 
Battle of the Bulge, Mr. Marvel was soon given a vital mission to clear 
mines and booby traps. That mission brought Mr. Marvel and another 
soldier into direct contact with enemy troops. For his successful 
actions that day, Mr. Marvel was awarded the Bronze Star. After this 
action, Mr. Marvel participated in several dangerous combat missions to 
help liberate France from Nazi Germany, including missions as a 
bazooka-man and in notable amphibious operations across the Rhine 
River.
  Despite the significant combat Mr. Marvel and his unit saw in Europe, 
perhaps the most harrowing experience was their actions to liberate the 
victims in the Dachau Concentration Camp. As Mr. Marvel and the 45th 
Infantry Division moved toward Dachau, they were engaged in fierce 
combat with German troops still defending the camp. Mr. Marvel would 
help liberate 32,000 captives of Dachau. But, as Mr. Marvel recalls, 
the ``sights in this camp I will never ever forget.''
  Mr. Marvel was awarded numerous awards for his service, including the 
Bronze Star, the Combat Infantry Badge, and several campaign medals. 
With the latest award of the Legion of Honor, Mr. Marvel joins a 
distinguished group of Americans, including President Dwight D. 
Eisenhower, Audie Murphy, Chuck Yeager, and many others.
  Finally, on behalf of the State of Delaware and a grateful Nation, I 
thank Mr. Marvel for his service to our country. He sacrificed greatly 
to safeguard freedom and democracy. He is a testament to our Nation and 
his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United 
States Army. I congratulate Mr. Marvel once again on this honor--he 
brings great pride to Delaware and the United States.

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