[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22009]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING WWII PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT LEO HANSON OF ZEPHYRHILLS, 
                                FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 14, 2006

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Leo C. 
Hanson, a native of the Buffalo, NY, area who served with honor and 
distinction during World War II. Drafted into the United States Army on 
January 6, 1940, Mr. Hanson earned the Purple Heart for wounds received 
in battle.
  Discharged on June 16, 1945, Mr. Hanson completed his military 
service holding the rank of staff sergeant. Since then he has continued 
to support his fellow soldiers by working with veterans' service 
organizations. Mr. Hanson is a lifetime member of the Military Order of 
the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and 
Veterans of Foreign Wars.
  His unit served under Gen. George Patton, one of the most famous 
American generals of all time. A tank commander, Mr. Hanson served in 
the Algeria and French Morocco campaigns in Northern Africa. He also 
served in Normandy, Sicily, Northern France and Rhineland. His Purple 
Heart was bestowed for wounds to his arm received at Omaha Beach, and 
to his leg while in Normandy. Despite these injuries, Mr. Hanson 
continued to engage the enemy in battle and fight for the cause of 
freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, soldiers like Leo C. Hanson should be recognized for 
their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in 
battle. I am honored to have presented Mr. Hanson with his long overdue 
Purple Heart. He should know that we truly consider him one of 
America's heroes.

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