[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12266]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


    CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF EDWARD LEITNER ON HIS 100TH 
                                BIRTHDAY

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                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 27, 2011

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great joy and honor that I rise 
to wish Edward Leitner a very happy birthday as he turns 100 years old 
today. Edward, a resident of Westbrook, Connecticut, is a veteran of 
World War II and a shining example of this country's Greatest 
Generation. I had the opportunity to meet Edward last month at a 
barbeque culminating Wounded Warriors week--an important, seven-day 
event honoring the sacrifice of heroes like Edward--sponsored by the 
Connecticut and Westbrook Elks.
  Edward was born in New York City on July 27, 1911. In 1920, he and 
his family moved to the Pond Meadow region of Westbrook where Edward's 
father had bought a farm. After graduating from the Pond Meadow 
School--a one-room schoolhouse still standing today--Edward left home 
at a young age. He went on to work at a variety of different jobs. He 
worked in a candy factory, held a construction job on the Merit 
Parkway, and worked for the railroad.
  An automotive mechanic by occupation, Edward was inducted into the 
Army on November 30, 1942. He served as a member of the 100th Infantry 
Division, 398th Regiment, which put him in the thick of operations 
across Central Europe, including Germany. The 398th led the way at 
Heilbronn, Vosges Mountains, and the Battle of the Bulge. To this day, 
his family proudly recalls hearing about Mr. Leitner's central role in 
some of the war's most historic and epic battles. Edward, who earned 
several decorations and positive citations in the Army, was honorably 
discharged in March of 1946.
  Edward's family describes him as their hero. They say he is a guy who 
can fix anything and do anything--and he has. Edward, for his brave and 
historic service to this great Nation, is my hero too. Mr. Leitner, 
despite his extraordinary story and experiences is an unassuming, down 
to earth gentleman who is a pleasure to meet and an example to us all. 
I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in wishing Edward Leitner a 
happy 100th birthday and thanking him for his great service.

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