[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 94 (Monday, June 3, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3572-H3577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Hageman). Under the Speaker's announced
policy of January 9, 2023, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Moore) is
recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
General Leave
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Alabama?
There was no objection.
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 80th
anniversary of D-day, where more than 2,500 Americans gave their lives
on the beaches of Normandy for our freedom.
On that night of June 6, 1944, President Roosevelt went on national
radio to address the country for the first time about the Normandy
invasion. His speech took the form of a prayer that I will read.
``My fellow Americans: Last night, when I spoke with you about the
fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States
and our Allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater
operation. It has come to pass with success thus far.
``And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer:
``Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon
a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion,
and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them
straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their
hearts, steadfastness in their faith. They will need Thy blessings.
Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl
back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall
return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the
righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph.
``They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest--until
the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's
souls will be shaken with the violences of war.
``For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight
not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to
liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and good will
among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their
return to the haven of home.
``Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them,
Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom. And for us at home--fathers,
mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas--
whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them--help us, Almighty God,
to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great
sacrifice.
``Many people have urged that I call the Nation into a single day of
special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I
ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we
rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of
prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts.
``Give us strength, too--strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the
contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our
armed
[[Page H3573]]
forces. And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to
bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons
wheresoever they may be.
``And, O Lord, give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee; Faith in our
sons; Faith in each other; Faith in our united crusade. Let not the
keenness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary
events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment let not these deter
us in our unconquerable purpose.
``With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our
enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogancies.
Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister Nations into
a world unity that will spell a sure peace a peace invulnerable to the
schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in
freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.
``Thy will be done, Almighty God.
``Amen.''
Several of my colleagues are here joining me tonight to read letters
from American soldiers describing the events of D-day.
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Steube), my
good friend.
Mr. STEUBE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
``Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
``You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we
have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The
hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In
company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you
will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the
elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and
security for ourselves in a free world.
``Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well
equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.
``But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi
triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans
great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has
seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage
war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming
superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal
great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free
men of the world are marching together to Victory!
``I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill
in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
``Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon
this great and noble undertaking.''
General Dwight Eisenhower.
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield now to the gentleman
from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt).
Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, in honor of the upcoming 80th
anniversary of D-day, I rise to share the words of Motor Mechanic Mate
First Class Paul Hudson Atkins of Sheffield, Alabama, in Alabama's
Fourth Congressional District. He was one of the first wave of soldiers
that had landed on Omaha beach.
{time} 1945
On June 6, 1944, Mr. Atkins wrote the following letter from Omaha
Beach:
First bunch of parachute boys are to hit behind enemy lines
somewhere between 0630 and 0930. Heavy gunfire going out on
the horizon. Mostly planes overhead headed for France.
General granted at 0500. Destroyer ahead shot up three
mines. Ships everywhere to the right and to the left and as
far as can be seen. Must be in the thousands of our small
boats out in the water.
The water was exceptionally rough for small boats. We
headed for the beach. Four small boats out of 900.
On LST, Landing Ship, Tank, 511, pick up wounded.
Battleships and destroyers firing over our heads. I could see
floating bodies on the water, some of the bodies dismembered,
floating in life jackets.
Small crafts sunk along the beaches. All sorts of obstacles
in the water out to about 500 yards. Only four of our small
boats were dispatched to the beach. Another one sent to Omaha
Beach to assist.
Madam Speaker, this letter that I just read serves as a powerful
reminder of the harrowing scenes Allied forces were faced with and the
bravery they exemplified on D-Day.
I thank my colleague, Congressman Moore of Alabama, for organizing
this remembrance for those who fought so valiantly for our freedoms and
for giving us the opportunity to continue to tell the stories of these
great Americans.
May God bless each of those soldiers and their families, and may God
bless America.
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from
Arkansas (Mr. Westerman).
Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr.
Moore) for organizing this tonight.
As we reflect on 80 years since the invasion of D-Day, it is my honor
to get to read an account from Robert Harlan Horr of Illinois. What I
am about to share, it says:
The following is my transcription of the D-Day-related
section of my father's, Flight Officer Robert Harlan Horr's,
pilot's log. I am Karen Sue Horr Burton, his only child.
Invasion started. Over 80 holes in my glider. Germans were
shooting many tows. Best pal Buck Jackson was killed just
after releasing over enemy territory. Knocked down three
times in landing. Made it okay. Could feel heat from those
bullets. Mighty lucky to come out alive.
Gave my pal a morphine shot to ease his pain. Stayed by him
in the open field for an hour. Made him as comfortable as
possible until I could get medical aid. German mortars and
machine guns were taking potshots at us.
I was surprised at my own coolness. I had tommy gun ready
for action. Moved up with the 82nd Division. Expecting
counterattack. Dug in. Plenty nervous. Waited all night but
nothing happened. Got one sniper. There were snipers all over
the place. I learned more in 5 minutes than the Army taught
me in 2 years. Recommended for D.F.C. They can have their
medals as far as I am concerned.
Thought of my wife all of the time. Had her picture with
me. Could hear those angels flapping their wings many times.
Kept my pocket Bible with me all the time. God was with me
out there, and I am thankful for it.
Was it hell, I know because I went through the worst part
of it. Thought of mom and dad many times. Often thought that
dad could really have a picnic killing Huns over here. Just
like hunting ``chucks,'' you have to wait for them and then
pick them off. I didn't take any souvenirs. What is the use.
I am no glory grabber. Just end this war and let me come
home. Many times I prayed out there, and I meant every word I
said.
Things were plenty tough, and I needed all the strength I
could get. Buck finally died. If I get decorated, his mother
is going to have that medal. Got to move up now so that is
all for now.
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Weber).
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Alabama
(Mr. Moore) for this Special Order commemorating the valor of the
Greatest Generation.
Eight decades ago, brave men stormed Normandy's beaches to confront
tyranny and secure our freedoms. On this 80th D-Day anniversary, we
honor their courage and resilience. Their sacrifice reminds us of
humanity's resilience in adversity.
I will share a couple of quotes from a sergeant and lieutenant,
highlighting the battleship USS Texas' power, which is now proudly
stationed, by the way, Madam Speaker, in Texas-14, highlighting the
bravery of its soldiers.
As the sky lightened, the armada became visible. The
smoking and burning French shoreline also became more
defined. At 0600, the huge guns of the Allied navies opened
up with what must have been one of the greatest artillery
barrages ever.
The diesels on board our craft failed to muffle the
tornadic blasting. I could see the battleship Texas firing
broadside into the coastline. Boom-ba-ba-boom-ba-ba-boom.
Within minutes, giant swells from the recoil of those guns
nearly swamped us and added to the seasickness and misery,
but one could also actually see the 2,000-pound missiles
tumbling on their targets.
This is one from Sergeant Robert Bixler, 116th Infantry Regiment, the
29th Infantry Division, and I thank Sergeant Bixler, another of our
brave patriots. He said this:
The ramp was lowered immediately after the rockets fired.
It was our hope and desire to run right up on the beach for a
dry landing, not because we were afraid of getting wet but
because if we were soaked, it would be added weight to carry
while climbing.
The British Navy man had promised to put us down dry, but
suddenly, we ran aground with the ramp dropped. The officer
said, ``Everybody out.'' Looking ahead, I could see 15 or 20
feet of water, a muddy, dirty gray stretch. The entire area
was marked by craters, shell holes from the guns of the
Texas and the bombers.
[[Page H3574]]
Madam Speaker, I thank Lieutenant Kerchner, 2nd Ranger Battalion.
I want to tell you, Madam Speaker, we should never forget the bravery
of the Greatest Generation. Let us always uphold the principles for
which they fought so valiantly. Most importantly, let us ensure that we
teach our children, the latest generation, about the Greatest
Generation and about their remarkable legacy. They came home from World
War II. They destroyed the vilest enemy the world had ever seen and
kept the world safe. They simply came home and built the greatest
country the world has ever known.
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Babin).
Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr.
Moore) for this Special Order, and what a special time it is.
As the son of a World War II vet myself who was in the Pacific, and
as a former Army enlisted troop and former Army Air Force officer
myself stationed in Germany during the seventies, it is a great honor
that I have the opportunity to read a letter written by a World War II
and D-day veteran, U.S. Army Major Ellsworth Hill, written to his
family back home on June 14, 1944:
Dear Florence, Barbara, and Nancy, this one letter to all
three will have to suffice for the time being for there is
scarcely an idle moment to write. When there is an idle
moment, I usually am so tired that I just fall asleep.
Today, however, I have had some time to myself and have
been far enough away from activities to really enjoy myself.
As you may surmise, I am somewhere in France--just where is,
of course, not to be disclosed, but as the papers have
carried the story of D-day, you know that it was on the coast
of Normandy.
The going for the past week has been quite rugged,
particularly for an old man like myself, but I have found
that I could keep up with the youngsters. You should have
received a letter from me dated June 5, but nothing has been
written in the meantime.
All the things incident to the landing on the beaches and
the first few days here can be left for future communication.
What can be said now would hardly do justice to what
happened. Maybe as things develop, I can write you of my own
experiences.
It so happened that I went over with the first attachment
of the Advance Section, and because of that, I have had a
bird's-eye view, or should I say a foxhole view, of this
show. The magnitude of it is beyond all comprehension.
For the past week, I have been living in a pup tent--that
is, when we have had a chance to even pitch it. I sleep on
the ground, and I mean sleep. Tottering around with a pack,
side arms, and K rations through the country and up and down
hills has been pretty strenuous exercise. By way of
diversion, there is an occasional air raid or some artillery
shelling of the roads that we are traveling on.
Fortunately, the weather has been marvelous. Only one day
of rain, and that wasn't too bad. When I stop to think of it,
I find that I am feeling pretty marvelously well and am
really in good physical shape.
The spot where our camp is located right now is in a very
picturesque country. I don't know whether Mummy has been in
this part of Normandy, but if she has, she can tell you how
pretty these French farms are.
Tonight, I had the first cooked meal in over a week. I went
up to a little French cafe in a small village and, believe it
or not, had a steak, French fried potatoes, strawberries, and
a bottle of wine all for 100 francs, about $2. I am enclosing
a 5 Franc note for Nancy's collection of whatnots.
The people here are getting excited over what they say is
their liberation. As one drives through the villages, they
chase and wave, and every farmer wants to give you wine, but
with it all, there has been destruction. Some of the most
beautiful chateaus have been devastated, and whole families
have been made homeless.
Because I can tell you so little about what is going on and
because I am sleepy, I will stop here. All I really wanted to
say was that I am well and not to have any worries about me.
With love to you all, and a word that I will write as often
as circumstances permit, Old Man Hill.
What an eye-opening letter. Folks, no one but those who were there
can truly understand what our D-day and World War II veterans went
through, what they saw, and what they felt.
I agree with Major Hill. Without seeing it firsthand, it is nearly
impossible to comprehend. However, what we can do is continue to honor
the sacrifices and the memories of these World War II vets who went
into Europe to fight for our freedoms and memories.
To the D-day and World War II veterans still with us today, we may
never be able to repay your debt, but I pray that we never miss an
opportunity to say thank you.
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from
Louisiana (Mr. Graves).
Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
Alabama for organizing this.
Madam Speaker, I am going to read from the journal of Sidney Montz,
who served as a lieutenant in Company D of the 8th Regiment of the 4th
Infantry Division of the United States Army.
The 4th Division was one of the five divisions that struck Utah and
Omaha beaches on June 6, 1944, D-day. He was born in Louisiana in 1914
and served as an ROTC corporal at LSU. He enlisted in the Army in
August 1942 and became a lieutenant.
Montz was 29 years old on D-day, which was his first combat. He kept
a diary from May 15, 1944, until July 31, 1944. The diary was donated
by Montz' son to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans along
with a trunk of personal belongings from his time in the European
Theater during World War II.
{time} 2000
Madam Speaker, before I start, I am going to make note that the diary
makes mention of the LCVP, which is the landing craft vehicle
personnel, otherwise known as the Higgins craft, tens of thousands of
which were built in Louisiana and often credited as being a game
changer for the D-Day landing.
May 16 through June 1. Took things easy, drew equipment,
time off to Torquay, took a few short marches to keep in
shape. A few days before June 1, we were briefed, shown maps,
and sand table of where we were going. Everything in good
shape. I was executive officer but will take 81 millimeter.
Wittenberger does not know mortar. Officers in company:
Buckles, Woodruff, Wittenberger, Levy, Buckalew, Olson,
Executive Montz, CO Samson.
June 2. Left camp at 10:20 for Torquay, got an LCVP to go
to ship (the S.S. Dickman). On ship life was okay.
June 4. Too busy to go to church--making final
preparation--heard we sail today for landing tomorrow--
weather very bad so thing is called off. Spent most of the
night in lounge, drinking coffee and listening to radio.
Heard of the fall of Rome. In bed by 0200.
June 5. Heard we sail at 1300, General Ike message read
over the loudspeaker after we sailed. Told D-Day June 6, H-
hour 0630. We anchor at 0200 June 6 and get in LCVP. Checked
all equipment that was already in LCVP. Men in good shape and
ready to go. Told that 10,500 planes would be in operation,
6,000 bombers. Did not know anything except we land on Utah
Beach Red and Green with 12,000 paratroopers landing H-4
inland. Messed around, shooting bull and kidding each other.
Channel pretty rough. Men will be fed at 2200, officers at
2400.
June 6, D-Day. 2400: Eating a good meal, may be the last
boat team. Sea very rough. Started loading one, went down to
compartment with my men about 0230, went over side, down net,
and it was really tough.
Took off to rendezvous area, had a tough time finding it,
made it okay. Started circling, finally the other boats came
in. Planes lit up the beaches, AA fire starting, flares
dropping, beautiful sight, but it scares the hell out of you.
All hell broke loose from the beach, some boats hit by 88. We
are near beach and 88 opened up on the boat on our right and
almost hit us. Some boats hit land mines. Lucky we landed
because much more we would have sunk. Water still rough.
Jumped out in waist-deep water, about 500 or 600 yards from
seawall, the longest I have ever seen in my life. MG, mortar,
and artillery fire around us. Finally in shallow water and
able to run, had to miss all types of obstacles in and out
the water. Picked up six rounds of 81-millimeter ammo on the
way. It seemed as though we would never reach the seawall.
Men being blown up and hit all around me. You could hear them
scream. It was horrible. Finally hit seawall, stopped to get
a blow and bearing. General Roosevelt walking around telling
everyone to clear the beach or they would get killed. Rockets
hit the third section. Injured: Lieutenants Levy, Arps,
Singer, Cole, Sergeant Hasting. Killed: Corporals Herr,
Brandt, and Wadja.
Time to move or they will kill us all. General Roosevelt
gave me lots of courage. Under small arms and artillery fire.
Navy left us 1000 yards too far left and the left outfit
caught hell. Moved in very fast, every house and tree loaded
with men. They fired at you from all directions. Very hard to
see them as they use smokeless powder. Will get on to them
soon, then they will catch hell.
Madam Speaker, I just urge all Americans to remember the incredible
sacrifice of so many before us that allowed us to have this amazing
Nation. I thank my friend from Alabama.
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr. Griffith).
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for having this
particular hour so that we can show our appreciation for D-Day and the
veterans who were there.
[[Page H3575]]
For all who are not going to Normandy on this particular D-Day, I
would invite you to Bedford, Virginia, where the National D-Day
Memorial is holding their ceremony this Thursday, June 6, at 11 a.m.
Why, you might ask, would there be a memorial in Bedford, Virginia?
The answer is because of the Bedford Boys of Company A, 116th Regiment,
29th Division. Per capita, Bedford lost more men on D-Day than any
other community in the Nation.
As a result of this, a number of people got together in the 1990s.
Bob Slaughter from Roanoke, who was a part of Company A and was there
on D-Day, was a major force in starting the push for this National D-
Day Memorial in Bedford.
Lucille Hoback Boggess lost two brothers that day. She contributed a
lot of time, and her children are continuing the tradition of moving to
make sure that people remember D-Day and the sacrifices of Bedford.
Virginia Delegate Lacey Putney, the gentleman from Bedford, also was
instrumental in making sure that the funds were available to get this
project off the ground.
It was such a success that on June 6, 2001, at the opening of the
National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, President George W. Bush
participated and gave the keynote.
Today I read a letter not from one of the soldiers but from one of
the wives of the Bedford Boys.
Ms. Ivy Lynn Schenk wrote this touching letter to her husband, John.
It is a reminder of how life went for folks on the home front, where
daily chores and family visits continued unabated despite the epic
global conflict that raged around husbands, sons, and brothers
overseas. Her letter:
Darling, it is 11:30 Sunday night. This has been a day of
continual activity. Breakfast, church, to get milk and
butter, dinner, packed the car to go to Mother Schenk's
tomorrow. Washed the dog, dusted the beans, et cetera, in the
garden to keep the bugs from ruining them.
We intended gathering a little pile of corn to take out to
Mother S. When we got at it, realized that there were too
many ears just ready to use. So we gathered them, and now I
am waiting for the pressure to go down in the cooker so I can
take out my few pints of lovely, tender corn. I still have
too many ears to take to Mother S.
Mom and I just wondered what you would say if you could see
us canning at 11:00 at night on Sunday. She says if the corn
doesn't keep it will be because we canned it on a Sunday. I
told her you were busy fighting on Sunday without even a
chance to eat or rest.
God grant that it will not be long until you can be done
with all that and come home to enjoy a few months of peace
and calm. All my love is yours, Lynn.
John Schenk never received his wife's letter. Ivy Lynn wrote it on
Sunday, July 16, 1944, intending to mail it the next day, but on that
Monday, she received the telegram informing her that her husband had
been killed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6.
Bedford lost a total of 20 that day, 19 were from Company A. What
happened on July 16 is still remembered in Bedford. The telegrams were
received at Green's Drug Store. Elizabeth Teass came in to report she
was the operator at 8:30 that morning when the notices started coming
in. Somebody from Bedford had died. They would receive nine of those
notices on that one day alone. The notices kept coming in to Green's
Drug Store Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
Today, we get used to having instant communications, but back then,
for the men who died on June 6, families didn't find out for more than
a month that they had lost their loved ones.
Today, Bedford's Green's Drug Store is the Bedford Boys Tribute
Center. The people of Bedford will never forget. I was very glad to
have known a number of these soldiers before they passed away, those
who survived, and to have known Ms. Boggess when she was campaigning
with the Virginia legislature to make sure the National D-Day Memorial
became a reality. It is a wonderful, wonderful tribute. I encourage you
all to visit.
God bless you and may God continue to bless the United States of
America.
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Loudermilk).
Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend from Alabama
for the honor of participating in this moment. As many here have done,
I have been to the beaches of Normandy and stood on Omaha Beach. On the
75th anniversary of the landing of D-Day, I was one of those selected
to represent the United States there.
As I stood on the beach alone, thinking, I realized that that sand I
was standing on held the DNA of American patriots who fought that day
to preserve liberty for all of us and to stop oppression and
aggression. It was especially meaningful to me because my father was
one of those who landed in Normandy on D-Day. He was a medic in the
United States Army.
No one fought alone that day, no single service fought alone. It took
the Navy to deliver many of the soldiers to the shores of Omaha Beach,
and my father was one of those who boarded an amphibious landing craft
that took him to the beach.
I would love to stand here today and read one of the letters that my
father wrote to his sweetheart, who eventually became my mother, but
his letters were lost in a flood many years ago in their home in
Walhalla, South Carolina.
Today, I want to read the letter from Tracy Sugarman, who was a
lieutenant in the Navy. He was assigned to the amphibious squadron and
was one of those who, alongside his colleagues who served in the Army,
landed on Omaha Beach.
What is interesting about Mr. Sugarman is he was one of those who was
considered an old man. He was 23 years old. He was married. He had a
young wife. The letter that I am going to read to you today is the
letter that he sent to his wife. It reads:
My darling Junie, hope this gets out to you. It will be the
last word from me for a long time, but don't worry, angel, I
will get in touch with you the first chance I get. Believe
me, darling, I am feeling wonderfully well and absolutely
squared away for anything that may come my way.
For this wonderful peace of mind, I have to thank you,
Junie. I am intending to spend the rest of my life thanking
you. Take care of yourself for me, sweetheart. Please call
folks and tell them I am fine but can't write them. Hope to
heavens this gets out.
Bye for a little while, angel. Remember, I love you with
all my heart always. Keep that chin up and your head high and
keep that gleam always. Love to all.
Fortunately, Tracy Sugarman was one of those who did return and was
able to continue to live his life in freedom thanks to the sacrifice of
those who gave their last full measure of devotion on those sandy
beaches in Normandy.
God bless this country and God bless the memories of all of those who
served that day.
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Crenshaw).
{time} 2015
Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Alabama.
This week marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day where tens of thousands
of our finest, of our Greatest Generation stormed the beaches of
Normandy, France, part of the largest seaborne invasion in history, and
ushered in an unprecedented era of human flourishing and prosperity
because of their courage and sacrifice, because they understood that it
was America's time to lead, and to take up arms against tyranny and
against the spread of aggression.
Tonight, I have the honor to read an account of that day from Private
Benjamin Alvarado's personal diary. He was part of the second wave to
land on the Easy Red portion of Omaha Beach in Normandy.
These are his words:
It was very early in the morning, 6 of June, 1944. Cold,
dark, and foggy with a little drizzle. The water was choppy.
I could not see land even though we were only 11 miles from
shore. The drone of the engines stopped, and it was quiet
again.
It was 5:30 a.m. when all hell broke loose. All battleships
began firing. Over 5,000 ships filled the waters and planes
filled the sky as far as one could see, all headed in one
direction. The noise was indescribably deafening.
Continuous firing for our ships coupled with the drone of
our planes bombing the beaches. Never in all the training I
went through was I prepared for this. It was time to go over,
grab the rope net, lift my leg over the side, hang on for
dear life, 60 pounds on my back.
The rope net swung in and out as the ship and the Higgins
boat struggled to meet 20, 30 feet down. I am going to hit
the water and be crushed between the ship and the Higgins
boat. We managed somehow to embark into the Higgins. The boat
was full. The motor started, the boat shuddered, and away we
went, up and down the waves. No land in sight. Go toward the
noise and flashes of fire.
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We were under the swooshing sound of our big guns, 12- and
14-inch shells trumpeting awesomely, cutting the air above
us, almost lifting us out of the water. My heart was pounding
out of my shirt as though my life were being sucked out. It
was horrifying.
As we approached the beach, the Germans continued spraying
our boat with machine gun fire. Our boat went as close as it
dared, and the ramp went down.
I was the third one out, water up to my chest, holding my
M-1 high, pushing the water with my legs, trying to keep my
balance. I was numb with fear of what I was about to
encounter.
It was early dawn, foggy, a smoke-covered beach, flashes of
light, rumbling explosions, German artillery, mortar shells
bursting around us, bullets whizzing by.
At the water's edge, I tripped over several dead GIs. My
hair stood on end. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me
through the smoke and gauntlet of enemy fire, running
erratically, avoiding GIs that had fallen.
I ran toward a bluff that had a slight overhang where
others were huddled. We were wet, scared, and trapped, all in
a state of shock.
Nothing was said. We made room for each other, mirroring
our fear, unable to encourage each other. Pausing for a
moment to contemplate, I realized the improbability of my
ever going home again.
The invasion continued. Barbed wire and land mines were
everywhere. The water was filled with boats pressured to
unload their men and equipment.
To my right, through a haze of smoke and fog, bodies were
everywhere. Steel obstacles were scattered throughout the
beach. The indiscriminate slaughter continued.
As our men scrambled frantically for safety, a lieutenant
made his way running toward us, looking as though he had just
come out of a storm into our little sanctuary of protection.
Gasping for air, he said: Men, this is Omaha Beach. You are
on the second wave. Catching his breath, he continued: For
what you have just been through, you men deserve a Purple
Heart.
Now we are ready to do what we are trained for. Our group,
the first and second wave of the First Army, was ready to
move up.
Watch out for the land mines, someone exclaimed. We went
through a small opening in the barbed wire. The path had been
marked by the men that had stepped on the land mines.
When we reached the top, I felt we had broken loose from a
trap, yet still quite apprehensive about the land mines. Not
looking back, I could see where the Germans had entrenched
themselves and were now dead.
The shooting continued as we scampered to places of
protection like roadside ditches. The Germans were beginning
to surrender as they saw us inching up to them, crying out:
kamerad, kamerad. A white piece of cloth would go up, and
they would scamper out with their hands up, sometimes crying.
The Germans were on the run, leaving their dead and wounded
behind. They left the snipers behind to slow us down, but we
continued advancing.
We could still hear the rumbling sounds of those big shells
being fired from our ships, deeper into enemy lines, an
enormous extended hand of protection for us, a welcomed
sound.
Our trucks, tanks, artillery pieces, and supplies were
catching up to us. Every time we would liberate a town, the
people would run out of their homes to greet us. Church bells
would ring for hours, day or night. The old men and women
offered us wine and bread. Orders, we could not stop.
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas for
his remarks, and I yield to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Guest).
Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, this week we remember the 80th anniversary
of the D-Day invasion. Known as Operation Overlord, the D-Day invasion
began on the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, on the southern
beaches of France, landing at beaches named ``Utah,'' ``Gold,''
``Sword,'' ``Juno,'' and ``Omaha.''
Over 4,400 Allied soldiers lost their lives that day. The invasion of
France allowed Allied troops to establish a beachhead in Western Europe
and would go on to change the course of the second great war.
Many of the courageous men who fought that day have since passed
away, but we still have their recorded oral testimonies and letters to
loved ones about the role that they played.
Today, I want to read a brief segment of a fellow Mississippian that
landed at Normandy shortly after the initial invasion.
Bilbo Rodgers, born in Louisville, Mississippi, said this about his
service:
I was unloading the ships there in France, unloading guns,
trucks, and ammunition, food, medical supplies, and all that
in France after I got there, but we were still involved in
battle because they were shooting at us, trying to kill us.
I didn't pull my shoes off in 3 weeks because they didn't
allow you to pull them off because you may have to run at any
time.
We had to sleep in our shoes, and when we were in France,
we slept in foxholes. You dig a hole in the ground about 4
feet, and you get down there, you and your partner. You have
one partner, two people in one foxhole with dirt falling in
your face and all that.
Bilbo Rodgers was one of the countless heroes that placed themselves
in harm's way to help America and her Allies defeat Nazi Germany and to
protect the liberties and freedoms we still enjoy today. May we always
remember the sacrifice of our brave warriors.
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from
Mississippi for his remarks, and I yield to the gentleman from Utah
(Mr. Owens), my good friend.
Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend from Alabama for
this opportunity to reflect on the last hours of courage and sacrifice
of the Greatest Generation, those who served and died for the land that
they loved.
Shortly before D-Day, Second Lieutenant Jack Lundberg from Val Verda,
Utah, wrote a letter to his parents:
Now that I am actually here, I see that the chances of my
returning to all of you are quite slim. Therefore, I want to
write this letter now while I am still able to.
I want you to know how much I love each of you. You mean
everything to me. It is the realization of your love that
gives me the courage to continue. I have requested that this
letter be forwarded only in the event that I do not return.
You have had many times more than your share of illnesses
and deaths in the family, still you continue to exemplify
what true parents should. I am sorry to add to your grief,
but at all times, realize that my thoughts are of you
constantly.
I feel that in some small way, I am helping to bring this
wasteful war to a conclusion. We in the United States have
something to fight for. Never more fully have I realized
that.
There is no other country with comparable wealth,
advancement, or standard of living. The USA is worth the
sacrifice.
Remember always that I love each of you most perfectly, and
I am proud of you. Consider Mary, my wife, as having taken my
place in the family circle, and watch over each other. Love
to my family, Jack.
Madam Speaker, 2\1/2\ weeks after D-Day, Lundberg was the lead
navigator on a B-17 flying over Abbeville, France, that was hit by
German anti-aircraft fire, burst into flames, and crashed. Lundberg was
killed.
Second Lieutenant Jack Lundberg represents then and now the very best
of Utah and our great Nation. It is the spirit of willing sacrifice and
love of family and country that will continue to guide our minds,
souls, and hearts to be the light of freedom to those around the world.
I, too, was raised by a veteran of World War II. I was blessed to see
those who not only ran toward fear but came back to their homeland and
built the Greatest Generation, the greatest middle class, who broke the
barriers that we were then fighting to break and went on to teach their
generation to be patriotic and love our Nation.
We will never forget America's Greatest Generation and their
extraordinary sacrifices for freedom. Thank you, and may God grant you
his eternal blessings.
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Utah for
his remarks, and I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Self), my
friend.
Mr. SELF. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from Alabama
for hosting this.
Fellow Texan William Nation was an Army captain in the 508th
Parachute Infantry Regiment on 22 June 1944, somewhere in France.
Dear folks, just a note to let you know that everything is
still okay. We got our mail a few days ago, and I was glad to
hear from you again. We have been plenty busy here, and last
night I pulled off my boots for the first time since D-Day.
I guess you know by now what D-Day is. We have had some
real experiences, some that I hope never to go through again,
but we made it out all right so far.
I guess you know more about what we did than I by reading
the papers. We had two news writers drop with us. One broke
his leg, but the other is writing all along.
This will have to be cut short for now, but I will try to
write more this afternoon. I will try to let you know from
day to day how things are, but if you don't get a letter from
me, don't be worried.
We all feel rather immortal after that first night, and
most of us are living on borrowed time anyway. Love, Bill.
Just a quick story. When I parachuted into D-Day celebrations in
1993, I went up to the superintendent of the cemetery that stands there
above Omaha Beach.
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He motioned to a D-Day veteran saying goodbye. He said that man was a
combat engineer on Omaha Beach. He led the first wave ashore. He was
the only man of his unit that made it alive onto the shore, and he
comes back to visit his buddies every year.
This year, when I parachute into D-Day on Friday, I will be carrying
a portrait of Glenn Stevens, G Company, 3rd Battalion, 507th Parachute
Infantry Regiment, who parachuted into D-Day. He was a constituent all
those years ago in CD-3 in Texas.
I will also be carrying a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart that belong
to Staff Sergeant Starlin Lee Click who was a veteran of D-Day. It is
my little way of honoring the men who risked everything on June 6,
1944. May we never forget.
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas and
certainly all my colleagues. That is quite an amazing story to get
firsthand in letters.
I will close with an actual excerpt from a newspaper describing the
reaction to D-Day at home in Montgomery, Alabama.
Dear Gang, you are probably wondering what it was like at
home on D-Day. Well, like everything else in the world, we
guess, Montgomerians were steeped in reserved excitement,
wanting to shout out: We are pulling for you, gang; but
realizing there was an ocean in between.
Everyone was literally burning with pride as the news
flashed throughout the day. Radios were never turned off
during that first 24 hours, and there was one topic of
conversation and only one.
All stores closed at 5 p.m., and at that same hour,
twoscore buglers, stationed throughout the city, went into
action.
All traffic stopped, and a period of silent prayer was
observed. At 8 p.m., prayer services were held in every
Montgomery church. Almost without exception, every pew was
filled.
WSFA canceled all commercial programs and announcements and
for more than 30 hours broadcast only invasion news or
specially prepared programs in honor of the courageous men
who sailed and flew across the channel.
When prayers were being said over the air, it was not
uncommon to see a sidewalk group, including some, perhaps,
who were praying for the first time, lift their hats and
stand reverently until the prayer was done.
At 9 p.m., the whole town, along with the remainder of the
Nation, listened with bowed heads as President Roosevelt
offered his invasion day prayer.
As the full Moon, riding in the partially clouded sky,
shone down in later hours, Montgomerians finally closed their
eyes; proud, appreciative, and confident of the eventual
outcome.
I thank all my colleagues again who participated and Congressman
Palmer and his staff for their help in coordinating this Special Order.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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