[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.

[[Page H3576]]

     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.

[[Page H3577]]

  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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