[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 22192]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               WORLD WAR II VETERANS OF FRANKFORT, KANSAS

  Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the valor and 
great sacrifice of the citizens in Frankfort, KS. Frankfort is a small 
town in northeast Kansas. It is a thriving rural community of 
approximately 855 people. In the early 1940s, just as today, Frankfort 
was teeming with good Americans, Americans who answered the call of 
duty and fought so that their fellow Americans could live in freedom.
  But that alone is not what makes Frankfort notable. Brave men and 
women from small towns, big cities, and everywhere in America have 
served our Nation in the Armed Forces. Many have made the ultimate 
sacrifice.
  What makes this town, then home to approximately 1,800 people, 
notable is the solemn fact that 32 brave men from Frankfort and the 
surrounding farmland gave their lives in World War II. Based on records 
from local county newspapers of that time, it is concluded that the 
Frankfort community lost more men in World War II than any other town 
of similar size. This fact imparts both a deep sense of pride for the 
bravery and commitment of these young Kansans and also sadness for the 
great loss of life that is inherent in times of war.
  During my years in public service, I have experienced many 
opportunities to meet some amazing people and hear the incredible 
stories that truly define America. This is exactly how I have come to 
learn of this incredible contribution to our Nation's security. Frank 
Benteman, a World War II Army veteran, shared this story. Mr. Benteman, 
now 80 years old, is from Frankfort and was part of this ``greatest 
generation'' who served. It was Mr. Benteman who continues to honor 
those who went before by remembering their sacrifice and honoring their 
memory. I am pleased to work along with Frank Benteman to honor the 
heroes of Frankfort, KS, by entering their names into the Congressional 
Record in recognition of their ultimate sacrifice to a grateful nation.
  The brave men from Frankfort, KS, who gave their lives in the great 
Second World War include Willard A. Backman, Fred Bentsen, Lloyd C. 
Blackney, Leland Cook, Melvin Cope, Elmer Crumpton, Kenneth DeWalt, 
Robert Emmingham, Victor Feldhausen, Peter Fiegener, William R. Gibson, 
Don Hockensmith, Jr., Dale C. Hooper, Milan E. Jester, Koester 
Johnston, Donald E. King, Vern F. Long, Weldon Maneval, Matt McKeon, 
Carl O. Nord, Aloysius Noud, Howard Olson, Paul A. Paden, Charles Poff, 
Charles L. Punteney, Theodore Rhodes, David L. Shyne, James Stoffel, 
Clifford Watson, Robert B. Welsh, Charles F. Zinn, and Munro Zoellner.
  Semper fi.

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