[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 96 (Thursday, June 5, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S3253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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              TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHESTER PETTEY

 Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to retired 
Army Lieutenant Colonel Chester Pettey, who is celebrating his 100th 
birthday on June 17, 2025.
  Lieutenant Colonel Pettey dedicated 26 and a half years to the U.S. 
Armed Forces, starting in World War II. Over the course of his service, 
he rose from the rank of sergeant to lieutenant colonel, an achievement 
that reflects both his exceptional leadership and commitment to our 
Nation.
  Just months after joining the Army Reserves in 1943, Pettey received 
a letter on his 18th birthday ordering him to report to Fort Devens for 
training, starting what would become a long military career. From 
there, he served in Europe as a driver and radio operator for the 
commander of the 2nd Battalion in the 232nd Army Infantry Regiment, as 
part of the 42nd Infantry ``Rainbow'' Division. In this role, he helped 
liberate the Dachau concentration camp, freeing more than 30,000 
prisoners who were suffering at the hands of the Nazis. Thanks to the 
efforts of Pettey, his fellow American soldiers, and allies across 
Europe, the Holocaust ended, and the Nazis were held accountable for 
their crimes.
  Pettey then served during the Korean war as an officer. He taught at 
the Army Engineer School before becoming a member of a ``special 
forces'' team that destroyed bridges behind enemy lines in Korea. 
Pettey later participated in the Vietnam war and then concluded his 
honorable service in our military.
  Lieutenant Colonel Pettey, I extend my deepest gratitude for your 
unwavering dedication to our Nation and the cause of liberty. Your 
century of life--marked by courage and service--stands as an example to 
all Americans. I ask us all to honor and celebrate the 100th birthday 
of Lieutenant Colonel Chester Pettey, a true American hero.

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