[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 17059]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING CORPORAL VOLLIE PITTS

 Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I wish to recognize and pay tribute 
to CPL Vollie Pitts of Hutchinson, KS. Corpora1 Pitts proudly served 
our country in World War I and has been revered as a hero by his 
family, friends, and those who served alongside him. Today it is my 
privilege to share the story of this unsung hero and honor him for his 
service and sacrifice on behalf of our country.
  Corporal Pitts was born on February 14, 1897, and raised on his 
family's farm in Salina, KS. Like so many Kansans of his generation, 
Corporal Pitts put his country's needs before his own, leaving his 
parents and three siblings behind to volunteer as a member of the 
Kansas National Guard. At the young age of 19, he was first called into 
duty when his regiment was mobilized to the Mexican border in 1916. 
Their mission was to protect Americans from Mexican outlaws who were 
operating along the U.S. border. Following the successful completion of 
their mission, his regiment joined with another and became the 137th 
Kansas Infantry Regiment.
  Corporal Pitts was again called into duty in 1917 to serve his county 
in World War I. In the spring of 1918, Corporal Pitts and his regiment 
made their way to the frontlines for one of the most significant 
battles of the First World War--the Battle of the Argonne Forest. It 
was during this battle when Corporal Pitts courageously rushed a German 
gun emplacement, single-handedly capturing the gun and part of its 
crew. His heroic actions that day saved countless lives, including the 
men of his own unit. Even after he was wounded and gassed, Corporal 
Pitts continued to fight until he was forced to seek help at a field 
hospital, where doctors determined his fighting days had come to an 
end.
  Upon his arrival back in the United States, Corporal Pitts received 
an honorable discharge from the service and returned home to Kansas. On 
September 2, 1920, he began a new chapter in his life and married 
Gladys Reichardt. The young couple made their home in Hutchinson, 
Kansas and raised two daughters, Koloma and Patricia. Several decades 
later in 1954, Corporal Pitts passed away in Denver, CO, surrounded by 
his family.
  Corporal Pitts exemplified many traits we can all admire: courage, 
dedication, and selflessness. His heroic actions during World War I 
will forever remain a testimony to his love for this country and his 
fellow Americans. America is proud and honored to call Corporal Pitts 
one of our own, and we shall never forget his courage and sacrifice, 
which made America a stronger and freer nation.

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