[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 327]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING GUNNERY SERGEANT WILLIAM ``DENNY'' WEISGERBER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 25, 2012

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage and 
unwavering dedication of Staff Sergeant William ``Denny'' Weisgerber, 
United States Marine Corps (retired). Weisgerber is a true hero and 
symbol of pride for the Bay Area.
  Denny Weisgerber served on active duty in the United States Marine 
Corps from February 1949 to May 1953. Serving as the assistant platoon 
Sergeant, Weisgerber saw combat action in Korea on Bunker Hill, Reno, 
Vegas, Seattle and Warsaw Outposts, in front of the main line of 
resistance known as the ``Hook,'' on the Jamestown Line. It was during 
an assault on the outpost Seattle, in front of the Jamestown Line, when 
Weisgerber was severely wounded. He refused medical treatment and 
courageously moved forward to aid a wounded comrade, fearlessly 
exposing himself to intense hostile fire. His wounds later resulted in 
the loss of his leg. In recognition of his bravery and valor, he was 
awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for his actions that night. 
During this time, Weisgerber was on track to receive a promotion. 
Unfortunately, he was medically discharged due to the wounds he 
received at outpost Seattle, thus making him ineligible for promotion.
  Weisgerber returned to the United States to start his family with his 
high school sweetheart and wife Marianne, eventually settling in the 
Bay Area. Despite being medically discharged and now age 81, Weisgerber 
has remained committed to the Marine Corps and continues to serve and 
exhibit true volunteerism. He helps young Marines adjust to civilian 
life, find jobs, and obtain military benefits once they leave the 
service. Weisgerber continues to counsel generations of amputee 
veterans and other returning veterans at the Palo Alto Veterans 
Hospital and the Menlo Park Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Center. His 
own story of perseverance is an inspiration to wounded veterans and to 
the entire Marine Corps. In my district, the Marines of the 4th Marine 
Logistic Group, Marine Forces Reserve always speak highly of 
Weisgerber, often praising him as the epitome of the Marine Corps. He 
is continuously present, providing a helping hand to the Marines in 
every possible way.
  Weisgerber's commitment extends to the broader community as well. He 
served three terms as the Mayor of Milpitas and currently sits on 
numerous boards and commissions in the Bay Area on issues ranging from 
transportation to veterans' affairs. His accomplishments in the 
community are noteworthy, and they speak to a lifetime spent dutifully 
serving others.
  William D. Weisgerber has worked tirelessly for the past 58 years as 
a ``retired'' Marine and has asked for nothing in return. However, 
grateful Marines touched by Weisgerber's unwavering service have 
campaigned on his behalf to see that he is deservedly recognized. On 
December 5, 2011, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, in accordance with 
section 1563 of title 10, U.S. Code, approved the honorary promotion of 
Staff Sergeant Weisgerber to Gunnery Sergeant due to his selfless 
dedication to our country.
  Mr. Speaker, this Saturday, January 28th 2012, Staff Sergeant William 
``Denny'' Weisgerber will finally receive the promotion that he has 
deserved for six decades. I proudly commend Gunnery Sergeant William 
``Denny'' Weisgerber for his commitment and noble service to our 
Marines, veterans, community and country. His daily sacrifice to our 
community and the Marine Corps is extraordinary.

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