Honoring the Members of the Army Motor Transport Service that Served During World War II

HONORING THE MEMBERS OF THE ARMY MOTOR TRANSPORT SERVICE THAT SERVED DURING WORLD WAR II FOR THEIR SERVICE AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE ALLIED ADVANCE FOLLOWING THE D-DAY INVASION -- (House of Representatives - June 14, 2004)

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Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this concurrent resolution.

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Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 439. Introduced by the gentlewoman from Texas, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, this bill honors the participants of the "Red Ball Express", an Army Motor Transport Brigade that served during World War II.

The Red Ball Express was the code name of a huge convoy operation which began on August 21, 1944, to provide provisions and supplies to American and Allied soldiers fighting their way across Europe following their successful landing at Normandy.

The convoy system stretched from Normandy to Paris and eventually to the front of the northeastern borderland of France. The 82-day convoy got its name because the route that was used was marked with red balls.

Members of the Army Motor Transportation Brigade that comprised the Red Ball Express were constantly on the road. An average day for these dedicated troops meant 900 fully loaded vehicles driving around the clock. These trucks often traveled during the night in blackout conditions at speeds higher than 25 miles an hour to meet the growing demand for food and supplies, all while facing constant threats from ground ambushes and aerial bombing by the enemy.

What is most remarkable about the Red Ball Express are the soldiers who served in this brigade. Nearly seventy-five percent of the drivers were African-Americans who were denied the opportunity to serve in combat units, and whose families and loved ones were being denied the very freedoms and rights that they were fighting for in Europe.

Yet, these patriotic Americans persevered and succeeded. Many stories were written about their achievements, and their ability to overcome obstacles. These dedicated soldiers truly "shocked and awed" all those who depended upon them. At the peak of the Red Ball Express a round trip took nearly 54 hours and stretched nearly 400 miles to the First army.

When the Red Ball Express ended in mid-November 1944, over 412,000 tons of fuel, ammunition, food and other essential supplies had been delivered to troops on the front line. The success of the American and Allied offensive in France was due to the achievements of these outstanding soldiers.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution that honor the members of the Red Ball Express for their service during World War II.

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Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), the prime sponsor of this resolution.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the leadership of this committee for facilitating the bringing of this resolution to the floor. I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 439 and encourage my colleagues to join me.

June 6 marked the 60th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of World War II that marked a decisive moment in the defeat of Hitler and Nazi Germany. While we commemorate the valiant heroics and sacrifices of the individuals who fought to preserve our liberty, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a group whose contributions have existed in the shadows since 1944, the Army Motor Transport Service, code named the Red Ball Express. The Red Ball Express, a predominantly African-American outfit, was a massive 82-day convoy effort that supplied the Allied armies moving through Europe. The convoy system expressed from St. Lo in Normandy to Paris and eventually to the front along France's northeastern borderland.

Persevering through arduous driving conditions and ambushes, members of the Red Ball Express performed their duties with utmost precision and efficiency. Their dedication sustained thousands of Allied troops during some of the most difficult periods of World War II. When the program ended in mid-November 1944, Red Ball truckers had delivered nearly 500,000 tons of fuel, lubricants, ammunition, food and other vital essentials needed for Allied success within the European theater.

In spite of the indignities, putdowns and double standards that they endured, members of the Red Ball Express contributed unselfishly to winning this century's greatest fight for freedom. I met several of them during the World War II celebration here this past Memorial Day holiday who are very proud of being a part of this group. Historically, no group of Americans endured what African Americans endured in uniform during World War II. They proudly defended America with no guarantee that their own freedom would be defended on their return home. This Nation's debt to African-American servicemen and women who served under those conditions can never be fully repaid but at a minimum we should certainly honor their service.

I urge my colleagues to join me in bringing this group's contributions out of the shadows and support House Concurrent Resolution 439.

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, to reiterate, I do also urge support on our side of the aisle for H. Con. Res. 439.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.