[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14260]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


               RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF GEORGE H. McCOY

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 8, 2009

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride as we commemorate 
the 65th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy, I rise to 
celebrate the extraordinary service of World War II veteran George H. 
McCoy.
  On June 6, 1944 George, a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, and 
countless other veterans of the Normandy campaign, demonstrated their 
remarkable courage and devotion to the great cause of freedom.
  In recognition of his selfless service, the President of the French 
Republic awarded George McCoy the ``Chevalier'' rank of the Legion of 
Honor, equivalent to knighthood, the highest decoration assigned by the 
Legion.
  The Legion of Honor was created by Napoleon in 1802 to acknowledge 
services rendered to France by person of ``eminent merit'' in military 
or civil life.
  To this day George continues his camaraderie with America's bravest 
through his membership in the West Seneca American Legion Post #735, 
Amvets Post #8113, and the Harvey D. Morin VFW Post #2940.
  Just as France has recognized Mr. McCoy's exceptional service, 
acknowledgement it is fitting and appropriate from this good and 
grateful nation.
  Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to honor George McCoy, 
a man who with courage and humility has contributed to the liberties we 
are so fortunate to enjoy. Geroge's bravery is admirable and inspiring 
and I am pleased to acknowledge his service on this, the 65th 
Anniversary of Normandy's invasion.

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