[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONOR1NG 82ND AIRBORNE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE CAPTAIN GERALD A. WOLFORD 
                 FOR HIS VALOROUS SERVICE AND SACRIFICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2022

  Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Gerald A. 
Wolford who was inducted into the 82nd Airborne Division's Hall of Fame 
on September 28, 2022.
  The 82nd Airborne Division's Hall of Fame began in 2018 to honor the 
division's 101 years of legendary service and its members. It honors 
veteran paratroopers who are nominated for their service within the 
division, their commitment to the division's values, their 
contributions to their chosen field outside of their division, or any 
other valorous combat actions.
  A brief look at Cpt. Wolford's career accomplishments only begins to 
adequately describe the importance of his military service. He served 
in the 82nd Airborne Division from 2000 to 2006. As a staff sergeant 
deployed to Iraq in 2003, the gun section of Cpt. Wolford's Company D, 
3rd Battalion, 325th Infantry came under fire during a river crossing 
in As-Samawah, Iraq. Unable to suppress with small arms, Cpt, Wolford 
silenced the position using a non-standard tactical vehicle and anti-
tank weapon. He received the Silver Star for demonstrating outstanding 
valor and personal courage while serving as a Heavy Machine Gun Section 
Leader during a battalion river crossing in As Samawah, Iraq. As his 
unit approached the city, a rocket-propelled grenade struck his 
vehicle, wounding two paratroopers. Cpt. Wolford moved the wounded 
paratroopers to safety before his vehicle was struck a second time when 
escorting a dismounted squad to a forward position. Cpt. Wolford 
continued directing section fires and engaging the enemy when a third 
rocket-propelled grenade detonated near his truck, and a fourth grenade 
passed over his head. For his actions, Cpt. Wolford was awarded the 
Silver Star and selected as the 2003 USO Soldier of the Year. He 
commissioned into the infantry branch in 2006 and finished his career 
as an information operations officer at the Department of the Army 
Headquarters in the Pentagon.
  In the words of the former commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, 
Gen. Erik Kurilla, ``the All American Hall of Fame is about preserving 
our legacy and paying homage to our All American Legends.'' Cpt. 
Wolford's selfless service could not be more deserving of such 
recognition. I know I speak for all in our community and Nation in 
thanking Cpt. Wolford for his committed service and leadership in the 
82nd Airborne Division and our nation's military more broadly.
  Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring and congratulating 
Captain Gerald Wolford for his induction to the 82nd Airborne 
Division's Hall of Fame.

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