[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 145 (Wednesday, September 18, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE SERVICE OF NICK F. KASTRANTAS DURING WORLD WAR II

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HALEY M. STEVENS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 18, 2024

  Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize the 
honorable life of Sergeant Nicholas F. Kastrantas, a distinguished 
veteran, father, and artist. Mr. Kastrantas, in his military service, 
creative endeavors, and personal life displayed intelligence, 
dedication, and a commitment to fighting on behalf of the greater good.
  Mr. Kastrantas was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Greece, where 
he joined the Greek army and mastered the art of cartography. He 
returned to the U.S. in 1939 and immediately enlisted to serve his 
country. He was personally selected by Lieutenant Colonel James Gavin 
to contribute his artistic and linguistic abilities to the 505th 
Parachute Infantry. Mr. Kastrantas was a skilled mapmaker and spoke 
five languages fluently, allowing him to be an incredible asset to the 
82nd Airborne Division during World War II.
  Affectionately nicknamed ``The Greek,'' he used his skills to map 
drop points at Normandy and completed four combat jumps in Normandy, 
Sicily, Salerno, and Holland as a paratrooper. His intelligence and 
abilities were invaluable, enabling him to create a 3-dimensional sand 
table map for his unit's mission on D-Day. Nick also fought in the 
Battle of the Bulge and earned six bronze stars, the Combat Infantryman 
Badge, and the Parachutist Badge through his heroic service.
  Mr. Kastrantas settled down in Detroit, MI after the war and made a 
name for himself as a commercial artist. He lived a long life and left 
us on August 31, 2011. His legacy lives on through his daughter, Ann, 
and in his murals that can be found in restaurants around Michigan.
  Mr. Speaker, I am deeply honored to recognize the life and service of 
Private Nicholas F. Kastrantas--a man who used his creativity and 
dedication to serve his country in its hour of need. Please join me in 
celebrating his wondrous life.

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