[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 7317]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO NOLAN B. GIERE

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I know my colleagues and the 
American people agree we cannot adequately recognize the sacrifices of 
the men and women of what has been described as our ``greatest 
generation''--the veterans of World War II. But today, I am going to 
try.
  Today, I pay tribute to an obscure member of the greatest generation 
who has slipped the surly bounds to be with God--a simple farm boy, 
born and raised toiling on his father's farm in Hawley, MN, a youth 
who, in 1942, heard the calling of duty, honor, and country and 
enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, a man and decorated airman who, 
after flying 35 combat missions over Europe, returned to the United 
States to restart his life in Missoula, MT.
  Nolan B. Giere was a ball turret gunner in the B-24 Liberator--a 
simple staff sergeant upon his honorable discharge in 1945. Together 
with his wife Marge for almost 50 years, they lived in Missoula, MT, 
raised four children, and served as a foundation in the community, the 
business and church they both so loved.
  On March 26, 2009, at the Western Montana Veterans Cemetery, a 
grateful Nation will place to rest another of the greatest generation--
Nolan Giere--a simple farmer, a veteran, a local small businessman, and 
ultimately a loving father and husband. Nolan Giere epitomizes all that 
is great about America.
  To Nolan Giere, and his wife Marge, we salute you. Godspeed.
  Mr. President, I ask to have printed in the Record a letter from the 
Air Force Chief of Staff to Marjorie Giere, commemorating the life of 
her husband.
  The information follows:

                                               U.S. Air Force,

                                Washington, DC, February 19, 2009.
     Mrs. Marjorie H. Giere,
     Missoula, MT.
       Dear Marjorie: On March 26, 2009, at the Veterans Cemetery 
     in Missoula, MT, a grateful nation will place to rest a 
     fellow Airman. Volunteering to serve his country, your 
     husband, Nolan Giere, flew 35 combat missions during World 
     War II in the B-24 Liberator. Like others with him and after 
     him, Nolan realized a greater duty, and did not hesitate to 
     pick up the torch. We honor his life, his service, and his 
     commitment to service and country.
       On behalf of all Airmen, past and present, I commemorate 
     the life of your husband, Staff Sergeant Nolan B. Giere, 
     United States Army Air Corps, for his selfless contributions 
     to his country.
           Sincerely,
                                               Norton A. Schwartz,
     General, USAF, Chief of Staff.

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