[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E801-E802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL RECIPIENT PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN C. 
                TIRANNO ON THE 82ND ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 20, 2026

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on the 82nd anniversary of D-
Day, I rise to recognize Private First Class John C. Tiranno who 
received the Legion of Honour Medal from the French Republic for his 
part in the liberation of France from Nazi occupation during World War 
II. Private First Class John Tiranno and many others put their lives on 
the line, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the Allied Forces 
during World War II and contributing to a pivotal victory for the 
Allied

[[Page E802]]

Forces in one of the most important battles in American history.
  The Invasion of Normandy, also known as D-Day and Operation Overlord, 
began on June 6, 1944. The operation included a 1,200-plane airborne 
assault with over 5,000 vessels and 160,000 troops. By the end of 
August 1944, there were over two million Allied soldiers stationed and 
fighting in Normandy. Operation Overlord began an Allied campaign that 
culminated in the liberation of German-occupied Western Europe.
  Born on July 14, 1925, in Buffalo, New York, Mr. Tiranno enlisted in 
the United States Army, serving as a Combat Infantryman from October 
27, 1943, until May 11, 1945. Mr. Tiranno specialized as a Light Mortar 
Crewman and was part of the 330th Infantry of the 83rd Division in 
Normandy. On June 12, 1944, Mr. Tiranno's unit arrived on Omaha Beach 
after being called in to provide relief and backup to their comrades in 
arms.
  After being honorably discharged, Mr. Tiranno returned home on May 
11th, 1945, and on the second anniversary of D-Day, he married the love 
of his life of nearly eight decades, the late Mrs. Lee Tiranno. 
Together they had a son, Samuel, and were later blessed with 
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Tiranno's service was marked by extraordinary dedication and 
sacrifice to this country, having received a Bronze Star Medal, a 
Purple Heart, a Good Conduct Medal, a European-African-Middle Eastern 
Campaign Medal, a World War II Victory Medal, a Combat Infantryman 1st 
Award, and an Honorable Service Lapel Button for his service, and the 
Legion of Honor Medal from the French Republic.
  The National Order of the Legion of Honour is the highest decoration 
bestowed by France and is awarded only to those who have demonstrated 
``outstanding merit.'' American veterans who risked their lives while 
fighting on French territory during World War II qualify to receive 
this distinction as Knights of the Legion of Honour, presented under 
the authority of the Consulate General of France in New York, Cedrik 
Fouriscot. It serves as a tribute to their courage in battle, their 
sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of those who were wounded or lost 
their lives in service.
  It is an honor to recognize Private First Class John C. Tiranno on 
the Anniversary of D-Day. The people of the United States and France 
will never forget what John C. Tiranno, and many other brave soldiers, 
have done during World War II to defend our freedom and democracy.