[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24090]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             VALIANT HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, as we come together as a nation to celebrate 
Veteran's Day, I would like to honor two American patriots who are 
receiving long-overdue medals commemorating their service to our 
country. The sacrifices that these heroes made to protect our country 
and defend freedom will never be forgotten.
  Mr. David Matthew Bielski, a Vietnam War veteran from Kalamazoo, 
Michigan, has been awarded with the Silver Star and the Army 
Commendation Medal. From April 25th to April 26th, 1968, in the A Shau 
Valley of Vietnam, David gallantly fought enemy soldiers, and located 
trapped and wounded American troops. During his service, David was 
wounded three times, which he received the Purple Heart. In addition to 
these two high honors, David has also been awarded with the Vietnam 
Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars and the Good Conduct Medal.
  Mr. Miland W. Bills, a World War II veteran from Kalamazoo, Michigan, 
has been awarded with the POW Medal. During his service to our country, 
Miland was a POW in Germany from December 31, 1943 to May 3, 1945. In 
addition to the POW Medal, Miland has also received the Air Medal, Good 
Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle 
Eastern Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, World War II Victory 
Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button, WWII.
  The sacrifices that these two individuals gave to our country are 
immeasurable--they both answered their country's call to serve with 
great honor. I wish I could have been present to celebrate these awards 
with both Mr. Bielski and Mr. Bills. However, on behalf of the Sixth 
District of Michigan, I would like to extend my greatest wishes and 
tribute to these valiant heroes.

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