July 30, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 129 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO STAFF SERGEANT ODON S. CARDENAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 30, 2019

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of WWII 
Veteran, Retired Army Staff Sergeant Odon S. Cardenas. July 30, 2019 
marks SSgt. Cardenas 100th birthday and I am proud to represent an 
individual who has dedicated his life to family, community, and 
country.
  SSgt. Odon Cardenas was born on July 30, 1919 in Devine, Texas to 
Donaciano and Cecilia Cardenas. One of six siblings, his early life was 
spent as a Sugar Beet Farmer in Shakopee, Minnesota. On March 29, 1941 
he enlisted in the United States Army in Ft. Snelling, Minnesota as 
Private First Class. After becoming Squad Leader, SSG Odon Cardenas was 
assigned to the 172nd Battalion, Company C in California. Shortly after 
reassignment, the battalion deployed in November 1944 to the 
Mediterranean Theater of Operations of World War II in Germany.
  While on the front lines of defense, Cardenas and his unit were 
attacked by German opposition. During the ambush, his company received 
heavy artillery fire. Approximately 24 hours into battle, he and a few 
others attempted to escape by crawling through the snow at night. 
However, he and several company members were captured by opposition 
forces and held in captivity at a Prisoner-of-War camp near Dusseldorf, 
Germany. After being detained for two weeks, SSgt. Cardenas and his 
fellow service members were liberated by the Americans and allied 
forces. Odon departed soon after in April 1945, receiving an honorable 
discharge in October 1945.
  After the war, SSgt. Cardenas became a barber and auto mechanic. With 
his wife of 60 years, Maria Inez Valadez Cardenas, they raised 10 
children along with 18 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 4 
great-great grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent 
SSgt. Odon Cardenas and look forward to his 100th birthday. His 
lifelong dedication to our country can only be met with celebration.

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