[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 7, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4471-S4472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO J. DAVID BAILEY

 Mrs. CAPITO. Madam President, I rise today to celebrate the 
achievements of a West Virginian who triumphantly fought for our 
country during World War II. J. David Bailey, who was recently awarded 
the highest French recognition--the Legion of Honor--is one of the 
oldest surviving veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. His story is an 
extraordinary example of the American philosophy to fight for freedom 
around the world.
  David was born in Bluefield, WV, on January 3, 1922. At the age of 
21, he, like 16 million other Americans, answered the call to fight 
against tyranny. He became a dedicated member of the battalion of the 
U.S. Army's 422nd Regiment, 106th Infantry Division.
  On December 16, 1944, at the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge, 
the bloodiest and largest battle of World War II, David and his entire 
battalion were imprisoned by German troops east of St. Vith, Belgium. 
Ultimately, he escaped imprisonment to rejoin his fellow soldiers and 
went on to serve in other campaigns, including northern France and the 
Army of Occupation. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on 
November 24, 1945.
  In recognition of his honorable service to our country, David has 
received the Combat Infantry Badge, two Bronze Stars, four Battle 
Stars, and four service ribbons, as well as the Order of St. Maurice 
Medallion from the National Infantry Association. He also appeared on 
the cover of a victory edition of the military publication ``Stars and 
Stripes.''
  David has also been a key figure in preserving the history of World 
War II throughout the years. At one point, he served as the national 
president of the Battle of the Bulge Association. On January 25, 2022, 
at the age of 100, David was one of several veterans to lay the wreath 
at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery 
to commemorate the end of the Battle of the Bulge. He also attended the 
opening ceremonies of the World War II Memorial, the 70th anniversary 
of V-E Day in 2015, and he was also the personal guest of President 
Barack Obama at the White House for the Veterans Day ceremony in 2011.

[[Page S4472]]

  J. David Bailey's life has been dedicated to the service of our 
country, and the impact that he has had will be remembered for years to 
come. I am proud to call him a fellow West Virginian.

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