[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 139 (Friday, August 26, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING WORLD WAR II VETERAN PAUL LANDSBERG ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 26, 2022

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
birthday of a decorated World War II veteran and community servant, Mr. 
Paul Landsberg of Rochester Hills, Michigan.
  Paul was born on August 31, 1922 in Detroit. His family moved to 
Pennsylvania when he was young but returned in time for him to attend 
the University of Detroit and the University of Michigan, where he was 
a member of the wrestling team.
  Like many brave young men of his generation, he put his collegiate 
studies on hold in 1943 to join the Navy, where he volunteered for 
submarine service. After completing boot camp at Great Lakes Naval 
Base, he was selected to participate in a fire control training 
program, which preceded his 16-week submariner training. Paul shipped 
out on the USS Blower, but after departing from New London, 
Connecticut, the Blower was damaged when it collided with a ship and 
had to return home for repairs. The Blower was damaged a second time 
going through the Panama Canal, playing, leapfrog with 2 other 
submarines. During this trip, the submarine's braking system for the 
diesel engines failed to operate, creating a vacuum inside the sub. A 
quick-thinking motor machinist on board opened the engine air 
induction, flooding the sub with enough water to stop the engines. Paul 
recalls that when the reverse current relay kicked down, it could have 
easily killed all 108 aboard. The incident caused significant damage to 
the 8-cylinder dinky and caused Paul to lose his hearing, but he 
continued on in his dedication to be of service to his Nation. Paul and 
his crew trained for a month in Pearl Harbor, then left for Saipan in 
the Northern Mariana Islands. From there the Blower sailed to 
Australia, and when the war ended, the sub and its crew patrolled 
IndoChina before serving occupational forces in Japan. In the course of 
its service, the crew brought 2 Japanese subs back to Pearl Harbor for 
analysis by the Navy. Paul was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the 
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal, as 
well as several unit level commendations, before being honorably 
discharged in March, 1946.
  Paul returned to Detroit, Michigan where he worked at Montgomery Ward 
for several years before leaving to become a draftsman. He eventually 
started his own heating, cooling and ventilation company, PLS 
Mechanical. He proudly hung up his hat and retired in 2001, after three 
decades of serving the community in business.
  Of all his accomplishments, one of the most significant was his 
marriage to IdaRuth Chernoff, whom he loved deeply for 67 years. 
Together they raised their four children around metropolitan Detroit. 
As he approaches the century mark, Paul remains a regular figure around 
Rochester Hills on his bike, and still drives himself to his great 
grandchildren's soccer, baseball and wrestling events. He is looking 
forward to attending the graduation ceremony of his great grandson from 
Army National Guard boot camp. He has a demonstrated talent and love 
for woodworking and is especially proud of the cradle he made that has 
been used by all 24 of his great grandchildren. He has volunteered with 
local organizations including Meals on Wheels and the Optimist Club and 
has been active in local government service. Paul has some advice for 
people looking for the secret to longevity that we would all do well to 
heed: spend time with family and friends, and always find something to 
do that helps others.
  Paul has set an inspirational precedent for all who know him, 
including his colleagues, his community, and his large and loving 
family. Today, I honor Paul for his service and commitment to his 
family, his country, and the many communities and organizations he has 
helped to uplift over the course of his long and fruitful life. It is 
my distinct privilege to celebrate the longevity of his life and the 
immense impact he has had on so many over the past century. May we 
honor Paul for his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty 
in both his military service and his personal pursuits. May these words 
stand as an enduring tribute to a life lived in the service of others.