[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT C. ``BOB'' BURNHAM, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2026

  Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Robert C. ``Bob'' Burnham, Sr., who will be posthumously awarded the 
Purple Heart, and to pay tribute to a life marked by service, 
sacrifice, and devotion to both his country and his family.
  Bob joined the United States Army in 1943 as the world faced 
unparalleled conflict during World War II. He completed basic training 
at Fort Custer, where he prepared for the demands of wartime service 
with discipline and resolve. He went on to serve as a member of Battery 
D of the 548th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, 
rising to the rank of Corporal through dedication and leadership.
  In 1945, while serving in Germany, Bob was wounded in action. His 
courage and sacrifice during this pivotal moment in our Nation's 
history stand as lasting reminders of the price paid by those who 
fought to secure freedom and peace around the world.
  In 1946, Bob returned home and built a life grounded in humility, 
hard work, and steadfast love for his family. He was a devoted husband, 
father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose quiet strength shaped 
the lives of all who knew him. Bob also served his community for many 
years as a courier for Kalamazoo Public Schools.
  Mr. Speaker, the life of Robert Burnham, Sr. reflects the very best 
values of our Nation: courage in service, dedication in work, and love 
in family. As we honor him with the Purple Heart, may this recognition 
stand not only as acknowledgment of his sacrifice on the battlefield 
but also of the dedication and resolve that he lived each day of his 
life. May his family find comfort in knowing his legacy will continue 
to inspire future generations.

                          ____________________