[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1581]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO MR. FORREST WELLS--RECIPIENT OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL 
                              (POSTHUMOUS)

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SCOTT DesJARLAIS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 2, 2015

  Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today 
to honor the life and service of Private First Class (PFC) Forrest 
Wells upon his receipt of the Bronze Star Medal.
  PFC Wells landed on the shores of Normandy in June of 1944, as a 
member of the 113th Field Artillery of the 30th Infantry Division, 
nicknamed ``Old Hickory.''
  During their deployment to Europe, the 30th Infantry Division 
assisted in the liberation of Saint-Lo, fought off the German counter-
attack at Mortain, was the first infantry division to enter Belgium and 
the Netherlands, and was instrumental in halting the German offensive 
near Malmedy during the ``Battle of the Bulge.''
  On July 29, 1944, while serving as a member of a gun section outside 
of Hebecrevon, France, PFC Wells' battery was subjected to a heavy 
aerial attack. During this bombardment, the gunpowder surrounding one 
of the units 155 mm howitzers was set ablaze. Without hesitation, PFC 
Wells left his sheltered position and rushed over to extinguish the 
flames, thereby eliminating the danger it posed to his fellow soldiers 
and saving valuable materials from destruction.
  In recognition of his service, Brigadier General James M. Lewis, 
Commanding Officer 30th Infantry Division, awarded PFC Wells with a 
certificate of merit in the days following the incident.
  More than 70 years later, the United States Army, by order of the 
Secretary of the Army, announced that PFC Forrest Wells would 
posthumously receive the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement 
in active ground combat.
  Long overdue, this recognition is certainly well-deserved and is a 
testament to the heroism and dedication to duty that marked PFC Wells' 
exemplary service during World War II.
  I wish to extend to the Wells family my sincere congratulations upon 
receiving this award, as well as my heartfelt thanks for Private Wells' 
outstanding service to our great country.

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