The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING ERNEST MARVEL--WORLD WAR TWO VETERAN AND RECIPIENT OF THE
LEGION OF HONOR
______
HON. LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER
of delaware
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Mr. Ernest B. Marvel, proud World War Two Veteran and recent recipient of France's highest distinction, the Ordre national de la Legion d'honneur, also known as the Legion of Honor.
On July 13, 2022, Mr. Marvel was presented the Legion of Honor by the French Ambassador to the United States, Phillipe Etienne. The Legion of Honor was first created over two centuries ago to reward eminent military and civil merits in service or defense of France. Created as an order of merit, foreign citizens may be awarded this recognition for their actions in support of France. For a World War Two Veteran like Mr. Marvel to be awarded the Legion of Honor, they must prove they were involved in combat operations within France.
As a Private First Class with the 45th Infantry Division of the United States Army, Mr. Marvel's service demonstrated exceptional bravery, character, and valor. Arriving in France shortly after the Battle of the Bulge, Mr. Marvel was soon given a vital mission to clear mines and booby traps. That mission brought Mr. Marvel and another soldier into direct contact with enemy troops. For his successful actions that day, Mr. Marvel was awarded the Bronze Star. After this action, Mr. Marvel participated in several dangerous combat missions to help liberate France from Nazi Germany, including missions as a bazooka-man and in notable amphibious operations across the Rhine River.
Despite the significant combat Mr. Marvel and his unit saw in Europe, perhaps the most harrowing experience was their actions to liberate the victims in the Dachau Concentration Camp. As Mr. Marvel and the 45th Infantry Division moved toward Dachau, they were engaged in fierce combat with German troops still defending the camp. Mr. Marvel would help liberate 32,000 captives of Dachau. But, as Mr. Marvel recalls, the ``sights in this camp I will never ever forget.''
Mr. Marvel was awarded numerous awards for his service, including the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantry Badge, and several campaign medals. With the latest award of the Legion of Honor, Mr. Marvel joins a distinguished group of Americans, including President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Audie Murphy, Chuck Yeager, and many others.
Finally, on behalf of the State of Delaware and a grateful Nation, I thank Mr. Marvel for his service to our country. He sacrificed greatly to safeguard freedom and democracy. He is a testament to our Nation and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army. I congratulate Mr. Marvel once again on this honor--he brings great pride to Delaware and the United States.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 129(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 129(2)
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
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