Congratulating George W. Waldrop, Sr. on His 100th Birthday

Floor Speech

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Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate George W. Waldrop, Sr., World War II veteran of Lancaster County, on the occasion of his 100th birthday and to wish him a joyous birthday celebration.

Mr. Waldrop was born on July 26, 1922, in Greenville, South Carolina to Claude Furman Waldrop and Lola Elizabeth Waldrop. He attended the Greenville city schools and graduated from the high school in 1940. He then began work at the Ottaray Hotel and the Poinset Hotel, both in Greenville, South Carolina.

On February 13, 1943, Mr. Waldrop married Harriet Louise Sistare. Throughout their 73 years of marriage, the pair raised two children, George W. Waldrop, Jr., and Harriett Waldrop Strom, and were blessed with four grandchildren.

On July 15, 1943, Mr. Waldrop was sworn into the United States Army at Fort Jackson where he trained as a combat infantryman. He courageously served the nation during World War II in the European Theatre and participated in combat in the Ardennes, the Rhineland, and Central Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge.

As a testament to his fearless service, Mr. Waldrop was awarded the World War II Victory Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the EAME Theater Ribbon, and three Bronze Service Stars.

He authored What ``Poppy'' Did in The War or as I Remember It, recounting his experiences serving in many locations during World War II. Mr. Waldrop is also a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 31 and is the oldest member of that American Legion post.

I am pleased to congratulate George W. Waldrop, Sr. on his life of service and sacrifice, and I wish him a very joyous 100th birthday celebration among his family and friends.

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