[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 176 (Tuesday, November 15, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H8499-H8500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE JOSEPH FAMILY OF UTICA
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from
New York (Ms. Tenney) for 5 minutes.
Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Joseph family from
Utica, New York, and their dedicated and honorable service in defense
of our great Nation.
During World War II, five of the Joseph brothers served in our Armed
Forces, rising to the challenge to democracy and freedom and defending
all free people's rights across the globe.
The Joseph brothers served in all branches of the military across
multiple fronts, in harm's way constantly. Sadly, none of the brothers
could return home for their mother's funeral, as she died when they
were deployed across multiple fronts and theaters of combat.
[[Page H8500]]
While it is impossible to comprehend and appreciate what they all
went through, all just young men coming of age literally under enemy
fire, I want to provide this body and this country with a small
snapshot of what each Joseph brother endured and did for their
community, State, and our country.
Seaman Second Class Edward Michael ``Chick'' Joseph, having served in
the United States Navy during World War II, receiving an honorable
discharge from the Navy on November 28, 1944. Ed, otherwise known as
``Chick,'' earned the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal,
American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three
bronze battle stars, World War II Victory Medal, and foreign awards of
the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation and the Philippine
Liberation Ribbon with one bronze battle star.
Torpedoman's Mate Second Class Joseph Edward Joseph, honorably
discharged from the United States Navy on January 4, 1946, serving in
World War II aboard the USS Aulick. On November 29, 1945, six Japanese
planes attacked the Aulick in the Leyte Gulf while on antisubmarine
patrol, with 31 men giving their lives in defense of their ship,
comrades, and country, 64 being wounded, and 1 sailor missing in
action.
Anthony Joseph, United States Marine Corps, World War II, died in
1945, sadly, due to cancer.
Louis Joseph, United States Merchant Marines, World War II, serving
in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean theaters, visiting 31
countries, islands, and territories. Two of the ships Louis served on
were sunk, with one sinking causing Louis to spend 17 days adrift in a
raft. Louis' unit earned the Presidential Unit Citation with two battle
stars. Louis used his brother Joseph's identification to enlist
initially in the Coast Guard, as he was underage to serve his country.
John G. Joseph, United States Coast Guard during World War II, also
served as a corporal and auto equipment operator in the United States
Army during the period immediately after World War II, serving from
December 1945 through December 1948, having been separated from Fort
Slocum in New York.
I have been fortunate enough to know many World War II veterans and
to hear firsthand their actions and experiences. Sadly, members of our
Greatest Generation are dwindling in numbers, and our current
generation may not know of their sacrifice and service other than what
is portrayed in Hollywood or in history books.
The Joseph family should be an example to all Americans of what
answering the call to service means, especially when our ideals and our
values are directly threatened by tyrants and oppressors.
Their family stateside supported them while under great stress,
knowing these sons of Utica, New York, were direct players in one of
the greatest military struggles in our Nation's history.
I am honored to represent subsequent generations of the Joseph
family, who all continued the tradition of the six Joseph brothers in
public service and community service.
I thank the Joseph family for their service and all of our veterans
in the 22nd Congressional District and across the United States of
America for their sacrifice and their inspiring service to all of us,
to our country, our States, our communities.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless these wonderful
people who answer the call to serve.
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