On the recordFebruary 7, 2020
Earlier this week, I had the honor of meeting Gilbert Howland and Bob Passanisi at a reception honoring Merrill's Marauders of World War II. During the war, Gilbert and Bob volunteered for a mission that was described as only dangerous and hazardous. These brave men, and approximately 3,000 others, answered the call of duty and were deployed to Northern Burma to fight behind enemy lines. Only nine of these selfless volunteers are still alive today, and they deserve to be honored for their bravery, their sacrifice, and their love of country. Pennsylvania had more Marauder volunteers than any other State, and one volunteer, Russell Hamler, from Pittsburgh, is still with us today. I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 906, the Merrill's Marauders Congressional Gold Medal Act, introduced by Representative Pete King of New York. I would like to encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation and honor the legacy of Merrill's Marauders. ____________________
