Recognizing the Life and Service of Olin R. Pickens

Floor Speech

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Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Mr. Olin R. Pickens who will celebrate his 100th birthday this month. I join his family, friends, and loved ones in celebrating his lifelong dedication to this country.

Olin Pickens was an infantryman assigned to the Army 805th Tank Destroyer Unit during WWII before he was captured as a Prisoner of War. He was executing a mission to capture German field marshal Erwin Rommel in North Africa in 1943 when his unit was attacked by the Germans. His unit, along with three others, attempted to breech a German Blockade to reach Rommel. The soldiers understood this to be a suicide mission. On February 16, 1943, PFC Pickens was captured in Tunisia and spent 26 months as a POW. He escaped once, but was recaptured. In April of 1945, Pickens was finally released.

Pickens looks back on his time in the army with astounding bravery and resolve. I admire his tenacity and dedication to this country. It is because of men like Mr. Pickens that we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy every day, and for his service, I am grateful. It is a joy to wish him a happy 100th birthday.

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