[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 15704-15705]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               REMEMBERING MASTER SERGEANT JOSEPH B. SMRT

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today I also wish to recognize and honor 
the extraordinary service of U.S. Army MSG Joe Smrt. Dedicated, loyal, 
and above all compassionate to those in need, Mr. Smrt was drafted into 
the Army in 1942 and served throughout World War II.
  On September 23, 2014, Joe passed away at the age of 98. A native of 
North Judson, IN, Joe was a shining star in the ``greatest 
generation,'' forced to learn the virtues of hard work, frugality, and 
self-reliance at a young age after losing his father when he was just 6 
years old.
  Joe was always proud of his service to our country during World War 
II. He served as a combat engineer in the 94th Division--a part of 
Patton's Third Army and earned the European Medal with four bronze 
stars--signifying his participation in four separate military 
campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge.
  Recognized for his love of country, Joe was well-respected by those 
in his community. As one of the most patriotic men in Knox, his 
neighbors often referred to him as ``Mr. Patriotism.'' Many considered 
him a pillar of the Knox community, and over the past several decades, 
whenever there was a veterans function or celebration of patriotism in 
Starke County, chances are Joe was deeply involved. Joe worked to 
educate our youth about the sacrifices of our veterans and 
servicemembers by giving presentations about World War II at Knox 
schools and Veterans Day events. He also served as commander of VFW 
Post 748 in Knox from 1991 to 1994, and he was elected Starke County 
surveyor for 7 terms spanning 28 years.
  I had the privilege of meeting Joe in 2009 when he visited 
Washington, DC through the Honor Flight Network. I am honored to have 
met such an admirable and patriotic man. Last month the State of 
Indiana laid this public servant--a veteran, a Yankees fan, and most of 
all, a hero--to rest. We are forever grateful for his service to our 
country.
  Mr. Smrt is survived and deeply missed by his wife of over 63 years, 
Ursula Kelly, and their four children--Terry Smrt of Knox, Kevin Smrt 
of Knox, Christopher Smrt of Louisville, Kentucky, Madonna Johnson of 
Austin, Texas and five grandchildren and five great grandchildren, as 
well as friends, the United States Army family, and Hoosiers across the 
State of Indiana.

[[Page 15705]]

  Joe Smrt was an American hero. He conducted himself with courage, 
bravery, compassion, honor, and integrity--both while serving our 
nation and throughout his time as a civilian back home in Indiana. Let 
us always remember and treasure the memory of this stalwart, brave man 
and honor his selfless commitment to serving his fellow citizens. May 
God welcome him home and give comfort to his family and friends.

                          ____________________