[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY THOMAS FEARRINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 17, 2023

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all South 
Carolinians, I am grateful to wish World War II veteran, Mr. Thomas 
Fearrington, a Happy 100th Birthday.
  Thomas Fearrington was born on April 18th, 1923, in Greenville, 
Mississippi. In 1940, Tom graduated from Valdese High School in North 
Carolina and enrolled in North Carolina State University's civilian 
military training program. In 1943, the program was cancelled, and Tom 
was sent to basic training at Camp Wheeler near Macon, Georgia and Camp 
Blanding in Starke, Florida.
  In 1944, Tom was sent to Europe where he was assigned to the 101st 
Airborne, 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, Second Battalion, Easy 
Company. He was a part of the first wave of gliders in Operation Market 
Garden. After landing in Son, Netherlands, Tom fought across Hell's 
Highway for seventy-five days until the battle ended and his unit was 
sent back to France.
  After arriving in France, Tom's unit made their way to Bastogne, 
Belgium. The 327th Glider Infantry Regiment greatly defended the city 
during the Battle of Bulge from December 16, 1944 to January 25, 1945. 
Tom served in Europe until the war ended and was awarded the Bronze 
Star for his great service to the United States. After the war, Tom 
completed his degree at N.C. State University and moved with his wife, 
Doris, to Columbia, South Carolina, where he still resides.
  Today, I honor Mr. Thomas Fearrington for his service to the American 
people and wish him a Happy 100th Birthday and the best in his future 
endeavors.

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