[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 201 (Wednesday, December 6, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        TRIBUTE TO HAROLD HEPPER

 Mr. CRAMER. Madam President, I want to honor a very special 
North Dakota resident who is turning 100 years old on December 15. 
Harold Hepper was a longtime resident of McClusky and most recently has 
lived in Bismarck, where he will celebrate this landmark birthday.
  Harold embodies the very best of the Greatest Generation. A year 
after graduating from McClusky High School in 1942, he and five buddies 
were drafted into the Army and traveled to Fort Snelling, MN. Initially 
rejected because of his poor eyesight, Harold returned home and begged 
the Selective Service Board for another chance to serve. After 
obtaining plastic glasses, he was able to train at Camp Barkeley, TX, 
to be an Army medical aidman.
  He shipped out from New Jersey for England and was on the frontlines 
in France the summer of 1944, where he was wounded in the shoulder 
during the Battle of Brest. Following his participation in the Battle 
of Hurtgen Forest, that December found him in the Battle of the Bulge. 
There, thousands of Americans died in what was the largest and 
bloodiest U.S. battle of World War II. The first day of the battle on 
December 16 brought heavy casualties on both sides. Harold and other 
medics worked on the front lines for 10 days, providing nonstop medical 
aid before they were relieved.
  Harold was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and other campaign 
medals. Honorably discharged in November 1945, he has remained active 
in veterans organizations the rest of his life. This includes 76 years 
as a member of the McClusky American Legion. Returning home, Harold 
worked as an insurance agent at the First National Bank of McClusky for 
44 years before retiring in 1987. He joined the McClusky Fire 
Department in 1954 and served there for 33 years, including one year as 
fire chief. Harold and his wife, Laura, who died in 2015, raised two 
daughters, Debra and Gail. They will join five grandchildren, three 
great-grandchildren and other family, friends, and veterans groups in 
honoring Harold on his 100th birthday.
  North Dakota is home to more than 200 centenarians, and we consider 
them among our most treasured residents. Their pioneer spirit, dignity, 
and hard work have brought them through many challenges and personal 
achievements. On behalf of all North Dakotans, I thank Harold Hepper 
for his service to our country and wish him a happy 100th birthday. I 
hope you enjoy continued good health and vitality.

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