[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 184 (Tuesday, November 7, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING WWII U.S. ARMY VETERAN SERGEANT JOSEPH DRAKE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 7, 2023

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the bravery and valor 
of U.S. Army Veteran Sergeant Joseph Drake, recipient of the 
Congressional Gold Medal and one of only 12 remaining WWII Army 
Rangers. Born on October 24, 1924, Sgt. Drake recently celebrated his 
99th birthday with family and friends at his home in Hawley, PA, where 
he currently resides.
  As the member of the U.S. House representing Hawley, in Wayne County, 
I am grateful to have this opportunity to recognize the courage, 
dedication and selfless service that Sgt. Drake offered in support of 
our Nation during WWII in April of 1943 at just 19 years old.
  Sgt. Drake honorably served with Company A of the U.S. Army Ranger 
Battalion and after training in Mississippi, Louisiana and England he 
fought in five battles in the European Theater, including the Battle of 
the Bulge and Central Europe. His outfit spearheaded the invasion of 
Europe by climbing the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc on D-Day on June 6, 
1944.
  Sgt. Drake proudly recalls Company A moving to relieve a Battalion 
from the PA National Guard's 28th Infantry Division in Ardennes, 
France, during the initial German attack that led to the Battle of the 
Bulge. Sgt. Drake and his Company fought through Luxenberg, Belgium, 
Germany and Czechoslovakia until the end of WWII in 1945.
  Sgt. Drake's distinguished service has earned him many medals, 
including this institution's highest expression of national 
appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions--the 
Congressional Gold Medal.
  Upon returning to the United States in October of 1945, Sgt. Drake 
was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in December and started a 
family with his late wife, the former Lydora LaTournous, in Hawley. 
They were married on September 23, 1950, and raised two daughters and 
one son. Life gifted them with many grand and great-grandchildren.
  Shortly after arriving back home, Sgt. Drake joined the U.S. Postal 
Service and worked there for 34 years, 15 of which he was the Hawley 
postmaster. He's proud to be the first person from Hawley, and without 
a political appointment, to have served in this position.
  Sgt. Drake was active in his community, serving as Quartermaster and 
Treasurer with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5823 in Hawley, 
founded by his late brother Robert J. Drake. He worked with the Mayor 
of Hawley and others to plan parades and carnivals. After the post 
disbanded in 2008, he made arrangements to have the post headquarters 
on Park Place turned over to the County of Wayne, for the Hawley Senior 
Center.
  Sgt. Drake's devotion to our Nation is evident in his exemplary 
military career, and I thank him for his service while wearing, and 
after hanging up his uniform. He truly embodies what it means to be one 
of the few remaining members of the ``Greatest Generation.''
  Sgt. Drake is a true American hero whose commitment to duty and 
service distinguishes him as an individual whose character represents 
the very best of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District, and I am 
proud to be his Representative in Washington.

                          ____________________