[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 180 (Tuesday, November 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING DR. DIETER MARTIN GRUEN'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                            HON. SEAN CASTEN

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 22, 2022

  Mr. CASTEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a friend and 
scientific luminary, Dr. Dieter Martin Gruen, on his 100th birthday. 
Dr. Gruen has led a distinguished career, and it is my honor to 
acknowledge his service and contributions to the scientific community, 
as well as record my continued support for his nomination for the 
Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  Throughout his exceptional career, Dr. Gruen has made significant 
contributions to new energy technologies. Dr. Gruen has worked to 
enhance American technology development as a former Manhattan Project 
Scientist and Argonne National Laboratory Distinguished Fellow. Though 
he officially retired from Argonne in 2012, Dr. Gruen has never stopped 
working and now devotes his life to fighting climate change and 
advancing solar energy. Dr. Gruen is a humble embodiment of a dedicated 
American and scientist.
  Born in 1922, Dr. Gruen is an internationally esteemed German-
American chemist, inventor, and innovator who immigrated to the U.S. 
from Nazi Germany in 1936. Throughout his career, Dr. Gruen has been 
driven by his curiosity and commitment to science--allowing him to make 
critical contributions to nuclear fission and fusion, solar energy, 
energy storage, and conservation. Specifically, Dr. Gruen has made 
several key technological advancements such as the nuclear submarine 
reactor cooling design and purification of uranium used to end World 
War II in the Pacific theater.
  Through this work and countless other selfless endeavors, Dr. Gruen 
has been recognized by the international scientific community with 
numerous awards--including from Argonne National Laboratory, 
Northwestern University, and the Patent Law Association of Chicago--for 
his pioneering research in chemistry, physics, along with the emerging 
fields of materials and nanoscience. Dr. Gruen has been granted over 60 
U.S. patents for his work in alternative energy and discoveries in 
interdisciplinary subjects.
  Dr. Gruen's story is that of many immigrants to America. He left 
behind a place of persecution, discrimination, and lack of opportunity 
for a brighter future. Like so many others who arrived on our shores 
and helped build our nation through their courageous spirit, 
collaborative character, unyielding dedication, and personal sacrifice, 
Dr. Gruen's courage and tenacity serves as an inspiration for us all.
  I've had the great pleasure to learn from Dr. Gruen and his unique 
life journey and stories--from his work on the Manhattan Project, to 
the ins and outs of nuclear fission technology, to innovations that 
make solar energy competitive with fossil fuel energy. Dr. Gruen, 
through his 100 years and dedicated service to the advancement of 
science and society, inspires my own optimism in our ability to tackle 
the toughest issues facing society today.
  In April 2021, it was my great honor to support Dr. Gruen 's 
nomination for the highest civilian award in this country, the 
Presidential Medal of Freedom, alongside my colleagues Representatives 
Bill Foster, French Hill, Jerry McNerney, and Cheri Bustos. For all of 
the reasons mentioned here and many more, I cannot think of a more 
deserving citizen for this award.
  I wish Dr. Gruen the happiest of 100th birthdays. I thank him for all 
his decades of service and remarkable contributions to science which 
have positioned the United States as a leader and world power in 
national defense, technology and innovation.

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