[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING 82ND AIRBORNE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE COLONEL BENJAMIN H. 
           VANDERVOORT FOR HIS VALOROUS SERVICE AND SACRIFICE

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                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2022

  Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Benjamin H. 
Vandervoort 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.
  A brief look at Col. Vandervoort's career accomplishments only begins 
to adequately describe the importance of his military service. Col. 
Vandervoort was a member of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 
which was assigned to the 82nd Airborne in 1943, from 1940 to 1945 and 
held many important ranks over the course of World War II. 
Specifically, he served as the regiment's operations officer during the 
United States' invasion of Sicily and Salerno and as the commander of 
the regiment's 2nd Battalion during the invasion of Normandy in 1944 
and the Battle of the Bulge later that year. In the latter, he led his 
battalion into the fray in the cities of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Nijmegen, 
and Bastogne. Perhaps most impressively, he also orchestrated and 
performed an assault on the Waal bridge in the Netherlands during this 
conflict. On account of his courage, bravery, and spectacular 
leadership in this episode, he received Oak Leaf Clusters for his 
Distinguished Service Cross and two Oak Leaf Clusters for his Purple 
Heart. Although injuries from his time in the 2nd Battalion forced him 
to medically retire from the Army in 1946, he continued to work to 
bolster our national security in his capacity as a civilian by working 
for the CIA and U.S. Army staff.
  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.'' Col. 
Vandervoort's selfless service could not be more deserving of such 
recognition. I know I speak for all in our community and Nation in 
thanking Col. Vandervoort 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 
Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort for his induction to the 82nd Airborne 
Division's Hall of Fame.

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