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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E583-E584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF WORLD WAR II VETERAN WILLIAM J. KULL
______
HON. HARLEY ROUDA
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, June 29, 2020
Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th
birthday of U.S. Army and World War II Veteran, William J. Kull of
Huntington Beach, CA. Mr. Kull's patriotism and commitment to serve his
community and the United States as a member of America's greatest
generation should serve as an example for all especially as we continue
to confront the challenges our nation faces today.
A young husband and father, Mr. Kull was a member of the New York
Fire Department when he was drafted into the service in 1944. He
completed Basic Training in South Carolina, then sailed to Glasgow on
the HMS Queen Elizabeth, then took a Belgian ship to France. On June
6th, 1944, approximately 156,000 American, Canadian, and British forces
landed on five beaches in the Normandy region of France. The operation
took months of planning by General Dwight Eisenhower, who coordinated
and led the attack of troops from three different nations. Mr. Kull was
assigned to Rifle Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Regiment in the 4th
Division, U.S. Army when he arrived the next day to replace the massive
casualties sustained in battle.
Landing on Utah Beach, he saw six months of fighting on the
frontlines, during which time he was promoted quickly through the ranks
from Private to Staff Sergeant. His unit fought their way through
Belgium and arrived in Germany before realizing confrontation at the
Battle of Hurtgen Forest. Mr. Kull recalled it as ``a terrible place .
. . when we left, it wasn't a forest anymore.''
Mr. Kull continued through the perilous challenges of war, including
fighting at the Battle of the Bulge. Not knowing his sergeant had
surrendered, Mr. Kull was fiercely engaged with the enemy when a German
rifle held him at gunpoint. Now a Prisoner of War, in a miraculous
display of loyalty to duty and country, it took only a few hours for
him to escape, along with other members of his unit, and catch up with
his remaining company.
[[Page E584]]
Against overwhelming odds, Mr. Kull and a couple of other squads
continued to fight. Members of the 5th Division arrived to relieve them
on Christmas Eve. Travelling by truck back into France, he was sent to
hold the Remagen Bridge, only just captured by American Forces. He
recalled that once they crossed the Rhine River and then went along the
Danube, they were met with sporadic resistance.
With the war in the European Theatre essentially over, his unit
remained as part of the occupying forces and shipped back to France. He
received many medals, badges and citations for his exemplary service
including the Order of Leopold II with Palm Degree of Chevalier and the
Croix d'Guerre with Palm Leaf cluster. He was awarded the Bronze Star
with Oakleaf Cluster ``for exemplary conduct in ground combat against
the armed enemy on or about 12 November 1944 in the European Theater of
Operations.''
Mr. Kull left military service in 1945 and returned to the New York
Fire Department where he retired after twenty-three years of service.
He has three sons Richard, David and Chuck who reside in Colorado and
Texas. Mr. Kull exemplifies incredible intelligence, courage, and
perseverance, and we must show our due appreciation and honor to all
the men and women who lost their lives to help end the war. I truly
admire Mr. Kull for answering the call of duty during one of the most
historic moments in our nation's history. On this day we pay tribute to
his service to our country and wish him a very happy 100th birthday.
I ask that all Members join me in honoring the birthday of William J.
Kull on June 29th.
____________________
