[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 109 (Thursday, June 22, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING BILL FRIBERG

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM EMMER

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2023

  Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Bill 
Friberg, a World War II veteran from Big Lake, Minnesota, who recently 
celebrated his 100th birthday.
  Bill joined the Marine Corps just days before the start of World War 
II. After basic training, Bill was deployed to Hawaii and then the 
Pacific theater, where he helped construct an airfield that was used by 
pilots during the Battle of Guadalcanal. He also helped with the B-17 
Bombers while doing reconnaissance missions in the area.
  After his commanding officer was shot down during an aerial dogfight, 
Bill began working on airplanes, performing maintenance jobs such as 
fixing hydraulic leaks. Eventually, Bill began servicing Hellcat 
fighter planes which often needed to be started by igniting a shotgun 
shell. Later in his military career, Bill was stationed aboard the USS 
Block Island where he continued aircraft maintenance, including on the 
famous Vought Corsair.
  Bill was not the only Friberg to serve our country during World War 
II. Bill's brother, Roland, served as an underwater demolition expert 
who saw action during the Battle of Iwo Jima. While Bill was stationed 
at Manila Bay, his brother surprised him aboard his ship and the 
brothers were able to have lunch together. After the war ended, Bill 
was among a group of soldiers that was sent to Japan to liberate 
American Prisoners of War, a dangerous yet important mission that Bill 
and his fellow Marines accomplished without fault.
  Following his honorable service, Bill worked at the VA before 
embarking on a 35-year career with Northern States Power. During his 
retirement, he pursued his passion for golf and remained an avid player 
until the age of 95, remarkably achieving four holes-in-one throughout 
his lifetime.
  I thank Bill for his service and congratulate him on reaching this 
impressive milestone.

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