[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11193]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE FIGHTING 105TH INFANTRY REGIMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN E. SWEENEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 24, 2002

  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the forgotten heroes 
of the fighting 105th Infantry Regiment--part of the New York National 
Guard's 27th Division--activated for duty in October of 1940. These 
brave soldiers embraced their Nation's call to arms wholeheartedly and 
without hesitation. On the field of battle, they fought with the fire 
of freedom in their souls and the fury of the American spirit in their 
hearts.
  On July 7, 1944 an overwhelming force estimated between 3,000 and 
5,000 Japanese soldiers strong attacked the First and Second Battalions 
of the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division. It was one of 
the largest attacks attempted in the Pacific Theater during World War 
II. As the firestorm rained down upon them, the gallant 
``Appleknockers'' of the 105th met the challenge of their foes with 
unparalleled vigor and tenacity. With gallant fervor, might and 
determination, the 105th fought on against the enemy. As terror 
reigned, the red-gray storm over the land swarmed onward breaking 
through the combined perimeter of the Battalion, inflicting massive 
casualties on the young troops. Yet, in brotherhood and blood, the 
fighting 105th pressed on. Inspired with the strength of democracy and 
infused with the iron will of America, the Appleknockers did not 
surrender. As the fighting 105th fought on and their foes fell before 
them, our freedoms were preserved and our way of life secured.
  The Congressional Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously to three of 
the men in the 105th--Lt./Col. William O'Brien, Sgt. Thomas Baker and 
Captain (Dr.) Ben L. Salomon DDS. There are many other courageous men 
that also fought gallantly for our country in the July 7, 1944 attack. 
At least seven unsung survivors of this most difficult day presently 
live in and around the Troy, New York area and are active members of 
the distinguished Tibbits Cadets. Among these dignified veterans are 
Mr. Joseph Meighan, Mr. Sam DiNova, Mr. Joseph Mariano, Mr. Frank 
Pusatere, Mr. Adam Weasack, Mr. Nick Grinaolda and Mr. Ralph 
Colangione.
  The brave soldiers of the gallant Appleknockers of the 105th have 
served their country and their fellow man with integrity and valor. In 
their pursuit of freedom and prosperity for the world, the men of the 
First and Second Battalions met the fact of fear and fought with honor. 
As the ``Appleknockers'' remember the 58th Anniversary of the July 7, 
1944 action, may we pause a moment to honor all those that fought in 
that harrowing battle. To the fighting men of the 105th, I respectfully 
extend my most heartfelt gratitude and respect--they fought as 
soldiers, lived as patriots and are forever heroes.

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