[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24337]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE 709TH U.S. ARMY BATTALION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 14, 2007

  Mr. TANCREDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to a 
gathering this fall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania acknowledging the 
dedication of an outstanding group of men. This group of brave 
individuals served in the 709th United States Army Battalion during 
World War II. Their courageous efforts helped defend and preserve our 
country's ideals of freedom and liberty during a complex time in 
history.
  The efforts and accomplishments of these heroic individuals are 
numerous. They fought along side their brothers in arms at Utah Beach 
on D-Day, July 11th, 1944 to help liberate Europe from the suffering 
brought on by tyranny and oppression. The Battalion was distinguished 
for participating in all five European campaigns in addition, it was 
given the honor of a Presidential Unit Citation within the army for 
their services conducted in the Hurtgen Forest in November, 1944.
  Special recognition is also needed for the 100 comrades of the 
Battalion whose lives were lost during combat. Collectively, the 
Battalion has received numerous distinguishing honors which include 
Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service 
Cross, the British Military Cross, and the Croix de Guerre.
  The Battalion has courageously defended our country and helped 
promote the ideals and foundations of our government. I commend these 
men on their fearlessness and efforts and greatly acknowledge the 
honors they have received.