May 23, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 87 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE, LEGACY, AND SERVICE OF MASTER SERGEANT 
                         DONALD CHARLES BETTINE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MIKE GALLAGHER

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2019

  Mr. GALLAGHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, legacy, 
and service of Master Sergeant Donald Charles Bettine.
  MSG Bettine passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019 at the age of 89. 
He was born in Green Bay on August 12, 1929 to Charles and Elva 
Bettine.
  After graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1947, he 
enlisted in the U.S. Army. Upon completion of basic training, MSG 
Bettine went to Japan where he was an instructor in the Eight Army 
Ordinance School. After a brief return to the U.S., he was deployed to 
Korea to serve in the Korean War. As a part of the 3rd Infantry, he 
participated in the evacuation of Hungnam in 1950. MSG Bettine charged 
enemy snipers in a frontal attack, allowing his platoon to advance 
forward. For this display of bravery, he earned his Bronze Star with 
the ``V'' for Valor. Dubbed the ``Christmas Miracle,'' the incredible 
evacuation resulted in the rescue of nearly 200,000 troops and civilian 
refugees.
  After his service in the Korean War, MSG Bettine was stationed near 
Moscow, Idaho where he met the love of his life, Evelyn Sumner. They 
were married on December 19, 1953, and shortly after relocated to 
Germany, where he was stationed for 4 years. Following his time in 
Germany, he was stationed in several places across the U.S., and was 
later sent to Korea for a second time where he was stationed in Seoul. 
During his time in Seoul, MSG Bettine became heavily involved in one of 
the local orphanages, dedicating his time to the children there. Upon 
his return to the states, MSG Bettine was assigned to Fort McCoy. He 
retired from active duty in 1968.
  Following his retirement from active duty, MSG Bettine continued his 
service to others as the JrROTC instructor at Premontre High School in 
Green Bay, WI where he taught for over 20 years. Affectionately known 
as ``Sarge,'' MSG Bettine strived to instill the values and lessons he 
learned during his time in the military to his students. MSG Bettine 
took an active interest in his students' futures, and often followed 
their careers through the Armed Forces. It was not unusual for him and 
his students to stay in touch years after their graduation.
  MSG Bettine joined the Knights of Columbus in his late 20s, and he 
was ultimately honored for over 60 years of service. In line with his 
character and values, he joined the Knights of Columbus to serve his 
community beyond his service in the military. He was a Fourth Degree 
Knight and served as District Deputy, Programs Coordinator, and 
District Marshall.
  Words cannot justly thank MSG Bettine for his many years of service 
to our country. My sincerest condolences go to his family.

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