[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 120 (Monday, July 14, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING CORPORAL GEORGE IVANOFF, USMC

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SCOTT PERRY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2025

  Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to recognize Corporal (Cpl) 
George Ivanoff, United States Marine Corps (USMC), on the auspicious 
occasion of his 100th Birthday on July 24, 2025.
  Cpl Ivanoff, born in Harrisburg in 1925, left Harrisburg Catholic 
High School early to answer the call of duty to our Country by joining 
the USMC in 1943. He served with valor in the Pacific Theatre on the 
islands of Peleliu and Okinawa, where he was twice awarded the Purple 
Heart medal for wounds suffered in combat. On the occasion when his 
Corpsman was wounded, Cpl Ivanoff attempted nobly to evacuate him, but 
both were struck by enemy mortar fire that ultimately killed his 
Corpsman and forced his own medical evacuation.
  Once healed from his wounds, Cpl Ivanoff rejoined his unit in the 
pivotal battle of Okinawa, where he fought valiantly for 45 days. While 
advancing on the enemy position, incoming fire forced him to take cover 
in an artillery shell hole. Looking out to spot the enemy, he was shot 
through the face. Unconscious for a time, he woke to feel a gaping hole 
in his face. Confronted with the thought of imminent death, he prayed 
to the Lord for forgiveness, and lost consciousness--seemingly for the 
last time. To his surprise, he regained consciousness again. Spotting a 
couple fellow Marines taking cover behind rocks from the same sniper 
who had shot him, Cpl Ivanoff asked for a rifle, offering to risk his 
life to take the sniper out; but they forced him away.
  He was carried on a stretcher to the hospital tent where he fully 
expected to die. He was given Last Rites by the Company Chaplain and 
left by himself. Presumed dead by the doctors and nurses, he was not 
tended to. Eventually, one doctor said ``Hey, this guy is still 
alive!'' Miraculously, after his wounds were addressed and he was 
stabilized, he not only survived, but fully recovered.
  Cpl Ivanoff returned home a hero. He finished his education at 
Harrisburg Catholic High School and began his civilian career at the 
Post Office. He became an accomplished amateur golfer, earning the 1968 
Harrisburg Championship, and still golfs at 100 years young.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Citizens of the 10th Congressional 
District and a grateful Nation, I'm honored, humbled, and privileged to 
recognize United States Marine Corps Corporal George Ivanoff on his 
100th Birthday. I wish him continued great health, love, and happiness 
in his future adventures, and continued Godspeed. For his selfless, 
honorable, and tireless service to our great United States of America, 
``Thank You'' will never be enough. He is the standard by which we all 
should be judged.

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