Recognizing Sergeant Alton Russel Heimbach

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to recognize Mr. Alton Russel Heimbach on the auspicious occasion of his 100th Birthday on August 7, 2023.

Mr. Heimbach enlisted in the U.S. Army at 19 years old. Earning the rank of Sergeant (SGT), he served in Company C, 157th Combat Engineers and fought with ``The Greatest Generation'' on the Atlantic front, He served in General George Patton's 3rd U.S. Army, which marched across Northern France.

SGT Heimbach's platoon landed on Utah Beach in Normandy on June 25, 1944. He was instrumental in keeping the 3rd Army moving by building bridges and repairing roads that were destroyed by the Germans. Most significantly, he helped to build the first Bailey Bridge, implemented primarily to help our Troops cross the Seine River, but served many thereafter, these bridges were critical to our mission of pursuing the retreating Axis forces. When Patton's 3rd Army moved into Paris, the 157th Engineers were among the first Soldiers to enter the city. SGT Heimbach went on to serve in Rhineland, Germany, Austria, and other areas in Central Europe, until his return to the United States upon the end of World War II in December 1945.

After military service, Mr Heimbach had a successful and varied career ranging from heavy machine equipment operator to superintendent. He remains dedicated to the Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren, and his wife, Maria and their 3 children, Alton, Mary, and Brian.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to commemorate Alton Russel Heimbach on his 100th Birthday, but also for his distinguished, tireless, and selfless service to our Nation. He sets the standard by which we all should be judged. I wish him Godspeed, and many more years of great health, prosperity, and happiness.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source