Tom Harkin: “a couple weeks ago, on Memorial Day, we promised to remember and honor those who have sacrificed so much to serve our…”

“a couple weeks ago, on Memorial Day, we promised to remember and honor those who have sacrificed so much to serve our country. In Iowa, Mary ``Beth'' James and her family were honoring the memory of her husband, Bob James. But I'm afraid we have forgotten Beth, and not done Bob justice. Today I am introducing a bill for Beth and the other ``Forgotten Widows.'' Bob James proudly served his country as an active member of the Army and Army Reserves for 35 years, until he passed away in 1977. Bob's service began with the Amphibious Combat Infantry in North Africa and Italy in World War II. As a junior officer, Bob James landed with the Third Division near Casablanca, and later served with the 34th Division through the North African and Tunisian campaigns, as well as in amphibious landings at Solarno, Italy, the battle of Mt. Casino and four crossings of the Volturno River. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal for the Rome-Arno campaign and was given a battlefield promotion to First Lieutenant. After five years in World War II, he carried a mobilization designation as part of his 30-year reserve duty with the Selective Service Unit in Cedar Rapids that he proposed and was asked by General Hershey to organize. In fact, Bob served longer than the usual 30 years because General Hershey personally requested that he remain in active Reserves until he reached the age of 60. When Bob became ill, he continued to attend Reserve meetings.”