[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7097]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  HONORING THE 257TH ORDNANCE COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 8, 2000

  Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, on this day 55 years ago, the bells rang 
out for VE Day. World War II was finally over in Europe.
  I want to pay tribute to members of the 257th Ordnance Company whose 
``behind the scenes'' work was essential to making the Allies' victory 
over the Axis powers possible. One member of the Company, Harry Dixon, 
is from my district. Harry is hosting a reunion of fellow members of 
the Company in June.
  The Company performed exceptionally in keeping the mighty military 
machine moving. The Instrument Section, in which Harry Dixon served, 
was responsible for maintaining military property from watches, to 
tanks, to artillery.
  During their service, they won the admiration of all with whom they 
served for their technical proficiency, their Yankee ingenuity, and 
their grace under fire. No job was too large or too small.
  Without the work of these brave American men, it is likely that other 
soldiers would have been unable to perform their duties. Well-
maintained equipment is crucial to a successful campaign, and the men 
of the 257th took their work seriously.
  Harry Dixon and his fellow members were among the countless unsung 
heroes of World War II. While the Company received many commendations 
and 5 were awarded the Bronze Star, few Americans know their names. 
What we do know, however, is that without these men, the War would have 
continued much longer and cost our world even more.
  And so 55 years later, it is an honor to be able to say thank you to 
Harry Dixon and the rest of the 257th Ordnance Company. I offer them 
every best wish as they gather for their reunion this summer.

                          ____________________