[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 134 (Tuesday, August 27, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING SEAMAN FIRST CLASS FRANCIS A. PICHE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 27, 2024

  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Seaman First Class 
Francis Alfred Piche, United States Navy veteran of World War II.
  Francis Piche was born in Troy, New York, on May 12, 1927. He was 
raised and attended school in Troy until he enlisted in the United 
States Navy on June 26, 1944, serving as Seaman First Class. He was 
stationed stateside in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and in 
Long Island, New York, before the USS Oklahoma City was called into 
action. He served aboard the Cleveland-class light cruiser for 
operations in support of the Okinawa campaign and continued action 
against the Japanese islands.
  At the end of hostilities, he was part of the patrol off the coast of 
Japan and the subsequent occupation. Upon returning to the United 
States, Piche was honorably discharged in July 1946 and was awarded the 
World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific 
Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, and the Navy Occupation 
Service Medal for his service.
  After leaving the Navy, Francis reentered civilian life and pursued a 
career with the Ford Motor Company in Green Island, New York. He worked 
as a floor inspector for two decades before retiring in 1977. During 
his free time, Francis served as a communicant at St. Joseph's Church 
and was a loyal member of the American Legion Legnard-Curtin Post 927. 
Francis married his wife Audrey in 1946 and together they had six 
children, Francis, Colleen, Laurie, Paul, Diane, and David. He enjoyed 
spending time with his family, which grew to include twenty-four 
grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
  Francis' dedication and service to the United States is truly 
remarkable. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I am honored to 
recognize his extraordinary life.