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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF MR. JACK GUTMAN
______
HON. J. LUIS CORREA
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, June 10, 2019
Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I wish to honor Mr. Jack Gutman of
Anaheim, California, who served as a U.S. Navy Corpsman in WWII. At age
18, Corpsman 1st Class Gutman provided treatment to the wounded and
dying at some of the bloodiest battles throughout the European and
Pacific theaters including the beaches of Normandy on D-Day.
Mr. Gutman, now 93 years old, still vividly remembers when his unit
landed on Utah Beach 75 years ago on June 6, 1944. With bullets flying,
bombs exploding, and men dying all around him, Corpsman Gutman helped
all he could, giving shots of morphine, applying bandages and
tourniquets and providing words of comfort to soldiers who died in his
arms.
What he thought was going to be ``a piece of cake'' turned into an
``absolute nightmare.'' Following the honors of D-Day, he suffered from
post-traumatic stress disorder for 66 years before seeking treatment.
Mr. Gutman wrote a book about his experience titled One Veteran's
Journey to Heal the Wounds of War. In the book, he describes the impact
the war had on his life: ``My experiences had changed my outlook on my
life and the world. I went into the war with a fervor to fight for my
country and protect our freedom, but the experience had been nothing
like what I thought when I signed up to join the Navy. Back at home, I
thought constantly of the men that had died overseas. I wondered how
and why I survived.'' His story also has been documented by the
National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Today, Mr. Gutman shares his story with other veterans as a public
speaker. He uses his personal experiences to help veterans overcome the
struggles of PTSD by encouraging them to seek support.
Mr. Gutman has also valuably served California's 46th Congressional
District by interacting with our Youth Congressional Leaders and
leading the flag salute for our Service Academy and other events.
Recently, Mr. Gutman traveled to Washington, D.C. as part of a
Veterans Honor Flight to visit the various war memorials and honor the
service and sacrifices of all military veterans.
On the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Mr. Gutman has returned to France
for the first time to take part in a documentary film about the pivotal
invasion, which paved the way for an Allied victory one year later.
Mr. Gutman's valiant service to both his country and fellow veterans
has made him an invaluable part of his community. He is an inspiration
to our community who has undoubtedly bettered the lives he touches. For
this reason, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and recognizing
Mr. Jack Gutman, a true American hero who continues to serve his
country and community.
____________________
