First Infantry Recognition of Sacrifice in Theater Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from California (Mr. McClintock) for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today humbled and a bit emotional in support of the First Infantry Recognition of Sacrifice in Theater Act, also known as the FIRST Act.

The FIRST Act modifies the First Infantry Division Monument to include and honor the names of 660 brave soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The First Infantry Division Monument, located in President's Park, west of the White House, was first conceived by the Society of the 1st Infantry Division to commemorate the lives of soldiers killed serving our country during World War I. Over the years, a total of 12,949 names of fallen soldiers have been inscribed and commemorated on this monument, but it will now take an act of Congress to honor the sacrifices of those 660 recently fallen soldiers and give their families a hallowed place for remembrance.

Throughout history, when the President had decided to send troops into harm's way to protect American lives and uphold American values, he has almost always called upon the 1st Infantry Division.

Indeed the 1st Infantry Division, more commonly known as ``The Big Red One,'' has a heroic and storied past. Established in 1917, the Division celebrated their 102nd anniversary earlier this year, and since 1955, has called Fort Riley, Kansas, its home.

Over the years, the soldiers of The Big Red One have fought in World War I, World War II, the Cold War, the Vietnam war, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the Balkans peacekeeping missions, the war on terror, and as of today, multiple operations around the globe.

Always first into battle, the Division fired the very first American shots of World War I, providing the United States its first victory in the war to end all wars at the Battle of Cantigny, France.

Despite suffering more than 1,000 casualties, the 1st Infantry Division bravely captured the village from German forces, defended it against repeated counterattacks, and bolstered the morale of the Allies. The Division returned home in September 1919 with 5 medals of honor.

Next, in World War II, the 1st Infantry Division led the way during the Allied invasion of North Africa, leading to the defeat of the Axis Afrika Korps and capturing over 250,000 soldiers.

The Division then departed for the invasion of Sicily, after a specific request from Lieutenant General George ``Old Blood and Guts'' Patton. There they faced fierce mountain combat and suffered heavy casualties, with some units losing over half their fighting strength.

The 1st Infantry Division would then return to England in preparation for the Invasion of Normandy. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, soldiers from The Big Red One would once again lead the assault on German forces in landings at Omaha Beach. They would then go on to fight a continuous offensive across France and into Germany, suffering over 20,000 casualties throughout the war.

After the war, the 1st Infantry Division provided protection for occupied Germany and maintained security at the Nuremberg trials. The Division played a pivotal role in World War II and would return home with 16 members being awarded the Medal of Honor.

The 1st Infantry Division has been active all over the world, assisting in combat and humanitarian missions for over 100 years. Since the Division's establishment, more than 13,000 soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division have lost their lives in battle. Today, soldiers from the Division stand at the ready in over 15 countries. We sleep peacefully here at home because they stand at the ready abroad.

It is our duty as Members of Congress to ensure these fallen soldiers are not forgotten by passing the FIRST Act and allowing the inclusion of the names of these 660 fallen soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

I am proud to represent them as they continue to exemplify their motto: ``No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great. Duty first.''

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