[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 140 (Tuesday, August 30, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE HEROIC LIFE AND SERVICE OF HAROLD McAFEE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 30, 2022

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic life 
and service of World War II veteran and United States Army Sergeant 
Harold McAfee.
  Harold McAfee was born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 9th, 1923. 
Harold was a star hockey player in high school and was offered a 
scholarship to Fordham University. Instead, Harold enlisted in the 
newly formed 10th Mountain Division in 1943, where he trained in 
mountain combat and utilized his substantial hockey experience to learn 
skiing and mountaineering skills. He was deployed as a Combat Infantry 
Squad leader in Italy and held the line against Tito's movements on the 
Italy-Yugoslav border.
  During World War II, Harold played an integral role in one of the 
10th Mountain Division's most iconic attacks. After two other divisions 
had previously failed, the 10th Mountain Division was tasked with 
securing Mount Belvedere in Italy's North Apennines to ensure Allied 
forces could safely advance into northern Italy. The 10th Mountain 
Division valiantly overran the Germans, clearing them from the high 
ground and laying the groundwork for an Allied victory. In 1946, Harold 
was honorably discharged and was awarded a Bronze Star and two Oak Leaf 
Clusters.
  After his time in the military, Harold dedicated more than thirty 
years of his life working for the United States Postal Service. In 
1989, Harold and his wife Loraine relocated from Long Island to 
Queensbury. They spent a-large amount of their time enjoying the 
outdoors through hiking, skiing, camping, and golf. Harold prioritized 
sharing his passion for winter sports with children. For many years, he 
volunteered as a coach for Adirondack Youth Hockey, where he mentored 
hundreds of children. In addition, he was a member of several clubs in 
his community such as the Lions Club and the High Flyers. Harold 
remained active until he reached the age of 97, when his attention 
became fully devoted to caring for his wife who developed dementia.
  On behalf of New York's 21st district, I am honored to recognize the 
extraordinary life of Harold McAfee. It is my hope that his active 
spirit and community service will be carried on by those who knew and 
loved him.

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