[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16916]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HUGH C. GRAHAM

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a distinguished 
constituent of mine, Hugh C. Graham, upon the occasion of his 
retirement from the American Legion Department of Connecticut.
  As a member of the American Legion for 57 years, Hugh served as an 
Adjutant for 32 years, the longest-serving Adjutant in the country. 
During his tenure within this revered national organization, Hugh 
admirably dedicated himself to promoting the health and well-being of 
our veterans, both in Connecticut and beyond.
  Hugh himself served his country with distinction during World War II. 
Having enlisted with the United States Army in New Haven on February 
16, 1942, he served as a rifleman in the 45th Infantry ``Thunderbird'' 
Division of the 180th Infantry Regiment. For 511 days, he fought 
bravely in the European theater, seeing combat in Italy, France, and 
Germany, and participated in five amphibious assault landings. For his 
valor and wounds received at Anzio Beach, Hugh was awarded the Purple 
Heart Medal. He was also awarded the European-African Theater Medal 
with five campaign stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the 
Combat Infantryman's Badge. Hugh received an honorable discharge from 
the Army on September 5, 1945.
  Over the years, Hugh's work with and for veterans has received well-
deserved recognition from numerous organizations. He has received 
various service and achievement awards from the Forty and Eight 
Society, the Veterans Administration, and the American Legion 
Department of Rhode Island.
  Although Hugh is retiring from active duty in the American Legion, I 
know that he will continue to promote veterans affairs and that his 
legacy will live on within the organization. Once again, I would like 
to congratulate Hugh upon the occasion of his retirement and I 
sincerely thank him for all of the service he has given to both 
Connecticut and our nation. I wish him all my best in his future 
endeavors.

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