[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 135 (Friday, August 30, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E853]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HAPPY 98TH BIRTHDAY TO JOHN F. WELSH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RICK W. ALLEN

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 30, 2024

  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor John F. Welsh--a World War II 
combat veteran and American patriot who celebrates his 98th birthday on 
September 4th, 2024. John Welsh, better known as ``Jack,'' was born in 
Macon, Georgia and grew up along the Gulf Coast from New Orleans to 
Pensacola, Florida.
  Jack never had a doubt that he was called to serve. Upon graduating 
high school on June 6, 1944--the same day allied forces landed on the 
beaches of Normandy--Jack immediately spoke to his parents about 
enlisting in the United States Army.
  Having watched World War II progress through his high school years 
and on the front pages of the newspapers he himself delivered, Jack was 
elated that his parents agreed, and he entered basic training in the 
fall of 1944.
  By October, Jack had crossed the country and the Pacific Ocean to 
land in the Philippines, and upon completion of his mission there, 
served in the occupation of Japan.
  After his years of service, Jack was awarded the Asiatic Pacific 
Theater Campaign Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, 
the Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the 
Army of Occupation Ribbon, the Victory Ribbon, and three Overseas 
Service Bars.
  After discharge, Jack enrolled in Duke University's Forestry school 
where he earned both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Forestry. He 
also met the love of his life, Mary Ann Casimes, with whom he later 
married and raised a family.
  We thank Jack for his years of service and wish him a happy 98th 
birthday. God bless.

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