Medals for World War II Veteran Bernard E. Strickland, M.D.

Floor Speech

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Ms. BARRAGAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Bernard E. Strickland, a constituent, a veteran, and a doctor. This is a long overdue recognition that he deserves for his contributions to our country and to our community.

Born on January 21, 1922, Dr. Strickland served courageously in the U.S. military during World War II from 1943 to 1946. During his service, he led a squadron of soldiers as a sergeant in the historic 761st Tank Battalion. Known as Patton's Panthers, they were the first African-American tank squad to see combat in Europe. They were not permitted to serve alongside White troops, and they were the ones who went in to liberate concentration camps.

Dr. Strickland and the rest of the battalion were crucial to advancing freedom internationally and racial equality domestically. The 761st Tank Battalion also assisted in making sure that those that were trapped--Jews that were liberated in these concentration camps--were able to get out. The things that he saw were horrific.

His son, Henry, had reached out to my office to let us know about his service and about the fact that he had not been recognized.

Today, I am proud to announce that Dr. Strickland will receive eight medals--eight awards--for his exemplary conduct, including the Good Conduct Medal; the American Campaign Medal; the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; the World War II Victory Medal; the Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp; the Honorable Service Lapel Button World War II; the Expert Badge with machine gun bar; and the Sharpshooter Badge with rifle bar.

Following his honorable discharge, he continued to devote his life to helping others as a medical doctor practicing medicine for more than 25 years in California.

Madam Speaker, I thank Dr. Strickland for his tireless dedication to his country and to our community.

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