[Page H1670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING MAJOR GENERAL JOHN C. RAAEN, JR.

  (Mr. FROST asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary service and 
sacrifice of Army Major General John C. Raaen, Jr., who dedicated his 
life to serving our great Nation.
  At 22 years old, he was captain of the Army's 5th Ranger Battalion 
during the Normandy invasion. General Raaen led his unit up the steep 
bluffs of Normandy Beach, helping liberate prisoners from Nazi 
concentration camps and marking the beginning of the Allied victory in 
World War II.
  His bravery and that of his fellow soldiers on D-day remain a 
powerful symbol of courage, unity, and the ongoing fight for a more 
just and peaceful world.
  For his heroism, he was awarded the Silver Star and went on to serve 
in Korea and Vietnam, rising to the rank of major general before 
retiring after 36 years of service. It is an honor to represent such a 
remarkable hero in Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, in 2022, Congress passed a bill to honor the brave Army 
Rangers of World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal, but at 103 
years old, General Raaen has yet to receive this award. I urge the 
Speaker and my colleagues to take swift action to ensure he receives 
the recognition he deserves.

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