[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E984-E985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING 82ND AIRBORNE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE 1ST LIEUTENANT WAVERLY 
              WRAY 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 1st Lieutenant 
Waverly Wray for his induction 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.

[[Page E985]]

  A brief look at 1st Lt. Wray's career accomplishments only begins to 
adequately describe the importance of his military service. 1st Lt. 
Wray was a member of the 505th Infantry Regiment, which was assigned to 
the 82nd Airborne in 1943, where he served as a platoon leader and 
executive officer for Company D, 2nd Battalion from 1940 through 1944. 
He demonstrated exceptional leadership and courage in World War II in 
both Operation Overlord in Normandy and Operation Market Garden in the 
Netherlands. Under siege from two reinforced Nazi battalions at Sainte-
Mere-Eglise which greatly weakened his battalion, 1st Lt. Wray moved to 
the front of his lines and successfully eliminated the source of heavy 
machine gun fire as well as killed a total of 15 enemy soldiers. 
Furthermore, he later conducted a surveillance mission on which he 
discovered enemy headquarters, killed all eight Nazi officers there, 
and further secured the safety and position of his own unit. Sadly, 1st 
Lt. Wray was killed later in World War II during Operation Market 
Garden in the Netherlands in 1944. His heroic actions in service to our 
nation earned him numerous decorations, including a Distinguished 
Service Cross and a Silver Star among other awards.
  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.'' 1st Lt. 
Wray's selfless service could not be more deserving of such 
recognition. I know I speak for all in our community and Nation in 
thanking 1st Lt. Wray 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 
1st Lieutenant Waverly Wray for his induction to the 82nd Airborne 
Division's Hall of Fame.

                          ____________________