[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24033]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE SERVICE AND HEROISM OF THE 630TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 3, 2008

  Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge 
the heroes of the 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion upon their 32nd 
reunion.
  Activated on December 15, 1941 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, the 
630th Tank Destroyer Battalion; often called the ``Fightingest,'' 
distinguished itself in battle during World War II. On July 24, 1944, 
the Battalion landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France and was 
attached to the 28th Infantry Division XIX Corps.
  The men of the 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion fought valiantly in the 
European Theater during the war. From December 15, 1944 and December 
31, 1944 the Battalion participated in actions against enemy forces in 
some of the most difficult operations known to warfare. The Battalion 
bravely liberated France, Luxembourg, and Belgium and provided critical 
support to allied victory in the Battle of the Bulge; proving the 
resistance and stamina of the American soldier was unbreakable. The 
heroism of the 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion was undoubtedly critical 
in bringing victory and peace to Europe. Tragically, many of these 
heroes never returned home, however their memory will live on forever 
in the hearts and minds of those they left behind. Beginning in 1963, 
and annually since 1992, the veterans and their families have reunited 
thus growing into an extended family of friends.
  Madam Speaker, the soldiers of the 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion are 
heroes and champions of American freedom. As we recognize the 
outstanding contribution these veterans and those lost in battle have 
made for the cause of freedom, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring their many years of selfless service to their community and 
our country.

                          ____________________