[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20923]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      COMMENDING EDWIN C. PETRANEK

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I thank an American veteran 
for his valiant service to our country in the Advanced European Theater 
of Operation during World War II. Edwin C. Petranek was born September 
9, 1916, in White River, SD. After graduating from the University of 
South Dakota in 1942, he was commissioned second lieutenant with the 
ROTC program and assigned to the 34th Infantry Division. Ed then went 
on to serve in Africa, Italy, and France until 1945 as a member of the 
1st Battalion, Company A and B, 143rd Infantry, 36th Division as 
platoon leader.
  Ed was eventually made first lieutenant, and his division took part 
in breaking the German defenses around Rome and in the invasion of 
southern France. He was wounded four times in the line of duty and 
returned to combat again and again. Ed left the European theater only 
after shattering his hip and being fitted with a full body cast.
  Ed recovered and received a medical discharge in 1946 but stayed in 
the Army Reserves for 10 additional years, during which he returned to 
South Dakota and completed a master's degree. Upon receiving an 
honorable discharge in 1956, Ed continued to serve in a civilian 
capacity as an educator and coach. Here his commitment to excellence 
remained evident as he earned induction into the South Dakota Athletic 
Director Hall of Fame.
  Both at home and abroad, the perseverance exhibited by South Dakota's 
own Ed Petranek remains an example to us all. This man has been awarded 
the Silver Star, a Purple Heart with three oak leaf clusters, a Bronze 
Star with cluster for meritorious service, and many other honors. Ed 
was also presented the French Legion of Honor. Today we have the chance 
to thank him for his dedication and to reflect on the true meaning of 
service.

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