[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 128 (Tuesday, August 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING WILLIAM BARKSDALE'S SERVICE TO HIS NATION AND HIS FAMILY

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 6, 2024

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Sergeant William 
Barksdale, a resident of Ypsilanti, Michigan, on the occasion of his 
100th birthday. His dedication to his family, community, and Nation is 
worthy of commendation.
  Sgt. Barksdale was born on August 3, 1924. Before enlisting in the 
U.S. Army, he was still a part of the war effort, building tank treads 
in Detroit. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 8, 1943, and served 
with the U.S. Army 415th Ordinance Evacuation Company during the 
Rhineland campaign in Central Europe during World War II. Sgt. 
Barksdale earned a plethora of awards during his time serving, 
including the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Medal, European 
Theater Medal, Army Occupation Germany Medal, and the Weapons 
Qualifications Sharpshooter (Carbine and Rifle).
  After the war, Sgt. Barksdale earned a commission as First Lieutenant 
in the Air Force Reserve and began to work at the GM Willow Run 
Transmission plant, formerly the Willow Run Bomber Assembly in 
Ypsilanti, Michigan. He also took full advantage of the G.I. Bill, 
graduating with honors from the University of Michigan and Wayne State 
University as a Geology major. He married the love of his life, Mary 
Jane Cosner, in 1949. He built their house in 1958, where he still 
lives today.
  Notably, he has dedicated much of his time to his family, not only 
building a house for them but also a large garden. Impressively, he 
still maintains his own cars and those of his friends and family, and 
it is said that he can fix any appliance. His legacy of service also 
extends to his family, many of whom have themselves served this country 
valiantly. His two daughters served with the Red Cross Military 
Service, with one working for 25 years with the Department of Defense. 
His son served in the U.S. Army and currently, there is a great-
grandson and great-great-grandson serving in the United States Marine 
Corps while a great-granddaughter serves in the U.S. Navy.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the 
incredible life of Sergeant William Barksdale, a man who served our 
country during its darkest hours and who has continued to bring joy to 
others. A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, he faithfully 
served his family and Nation with a sense of duty, respect, and 
integrity. We thank him for his service and wish him the happiest of 
birthdays. I thank Billy.

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