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[Page S941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
______
REMEMBERING DENMAN WOLFE
Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, Denman Wolfe of Scottsville, AR,
was called home to be with the Lord last Thursday at age 98. He was
Arkansas's last surviving Army Ranger who served in the Second World
War.
Denman's whole life was a portrait of honor, but he will be
remembered especially for his heroic actions at age 23, when he took
part in the invasion of Normandy--one of many thousands of American
troops who stormed the beaches that morning to free Europe from Nazi
tyranny.
Private Wolfe was part of the elite 5th Ranger Battalion charged with
silencing the guns atop Pointe du Hoc, a dagger-like cliff well-guarded
by German defenders. His force landed at Omaha Beach amid intense
artillery fire, sustaining casualties amid the fighting on the
beachhead. He was still on the beach with his fellow Rangers when MG
Norman Cota shouted the order that has now become part of Ranger lore:
``Rangers, lead the way!''
Denman Wolfe obeyed this order with distinction over the course of
his military service. In addition to fighting on D-day, Wolfe led the
way during the Allied invasions of North Africa and Sicily during World
War II and later in Asia during the Korean war. In total, he served in
the Army for more than 20 years, remaining on Active Duty until 1964
and attaining the rank of sergeant first class. For this valorous
service, Wolfe was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and many
other combat decorations.
Denman's service to his country didn't end once he left the military,
however. Once marked, a Ranger serves for life. After settling in
Arkansas after the war, Denman was called to work for his adopted State
as a correctional officer, deputy sheriff, and election judge.
But his heart was always with the land, where he worked for many
years as a rancher. Denman's many friends and relatives remember him as
an avid outdoorsman who spent his free time fishing, hunting,
gardening, foraging--even winemaking.
Denman took special joy in sharing these hobbies with his family,
including his wife, Kay, his two daughters, Lesa and Lori, and his many
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Denman Wolfe was among the greatest of a great generation. It is
fitting we honor him for his bravery at age 23 as a young private but
also for a lifetime of service to his country and community. We honor
him for his sake but also to hold up his life as an example worthy of
emulation. It is worth noting that Denman has already inspired others
to follow his lead: his daughter, Lesa, served in the U.S. Army just
like he did. Let's hope that many others are inspired to serve by his
example.
In every aspect of life, Rangers lead the way. Denman Wolfe took this
motto to heart during his long life. Now he is leading the way again,
going ahead of us to our eternal home. May he rest in peace.
____________________
