Recognizing William Barksdale's Service to His Nation and His Family

Floor Speech

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Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Sergeant William Barksdale, a resident of Ypsilanti, Michigan, on the occasion of his 100th birthday. His dedication to his family, community, and Nation is worthy of commendation.

Sgt. Barksdale was born on August 3, 1924. Before enlisting in the U.S. Army, he was still a part of the war effort, building tank treads in Detroit. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 8, 1943, and served with the U.S. Army 415th Ordinance Evacuation Company during the Rhineland campaign in Central Europe during World War II. Sgt. Barksdale earned a plethora of awards during his time serving, including the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Medal, European Theater Medal, Army Occupation Germany Medal, and the Weapons Qualifications Sharpshooter (Carbine and Rifle).

After the war, Sgt. Barksdale earned a commission as First Lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve and began to work at the GM Willow Run Transmission plant, formerly the Willow Run Bomber Assembly in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He also took full advantage of the G.I. Bill, graduating with honors from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University as a Geology major. He married the love of his life, Mary Jane Cosner, in 1949. He built their house in 1958, where he still lives today.

Notably, he has dedicated much of his time to his family, not only building a house for them but also a large garden. Impressively, he still maintains his own cars and those of his friends and family, and it is said that he can fix any appliance. His legacy of service also extends to his family, many of whom have themselves served this country valiantly. His two daughters served with the Red Cross Military Service, with one working for 25 years with the Department of Defense. His son served in the U.S. Army and currently, there is a great- grandson and great-great-grandson serving in the United States Marine Corps while a great-granddaughter serves in the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the incredible life of Sergeant William Barksdale, a man who served our country during its darkest hours and who has continued to bring joy to others. A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, he faithfully served his family and Nation with a sense of duty, respect, and integrity. We thank him for his service and wish him the happiest of birthdays. I thank Billy.

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