Recognizing Edward Morrissette, Wwii Vet and Legion of Honor Medal Recipient From France

Floor Speech

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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.

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.

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