RECOGNIZING EDWARD MORRISSETTE, WWII VET AND LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL RECIPIENT FROM FRANCE; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 172
(Extensions of Remarks - October 30, 2019)
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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1370-E1371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING EDWARD MORRISSETTE, WWII VET AND LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL
RECIPIENT FROM FRANCE
______
HON. DON BACON
of nebraska
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize World War II
Veteran Edward H. Morrissette of Omaha who will be awarded with
France's highest distinction--the Legion of Honor--on October 30, 2019
for his heroism and courage in the liberation of France.
Mr. Morrissette enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940, at the age of 17.
He served with the 16th Regiment, First Infantry Division, also known
as ``The Big Red One,'' as a machine gun squad leader and military
policeman. From August 1942 until September 1945, he participated in
the campaigns of North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, Northern France,
Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe.
[[Page E1371]]
On June 6, 1944 Edward landed at Omaha Beach as part of the second
wave. He then went on to fight in the Battle of the Hedgerows and
participated in the capture of St. Lo and many other cities in
Normandy. During the fall and winter of 1944-45, he fought in the
Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge before entering Germany and
later Czechoslovakia.
After the war, Mr. Morrissette obtained a civil engineering degree
from Indiana Tech University and spent most of his career with the U.S.
Air Force including time at Langley Air Force Base at Norfolk, Virginia
and March Air Force Base in Southern California. In 1972, he moved to
Nebraska and was employed by Offutt Air Force Base, where he retired in
1981 as the Deputy Director of Operations and Maintenance for Strategic
Air Command.
For his actions during World War II, he was awarded the Bronze Star
Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, the Good Conduct
Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, and the Distinguished Unit
Badge.
The Legion of Honor is the highest distinction that France can bestow
upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for France. Founded by
Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the National Order of the Legion of Honor
recognizes eminent service to the French Republic. Recipients of this
honor are named by a decree signed by the President of the Republic.
The Consul General will present the medal on behalf President Macron of
France on October 29, 2019.
I personally thank Mr. Morrissette for his many years of sacrificial
service to our country, and the liberation of so many in France.
Without courageous men like him, World War II might have had a
completely different ending. Congratulations to Edward on receiving
this prestigious honor. It is well deserved.
____________________
