Honoring World War II Veteran and Former POW, Sergeant George Thursby

Floor Speech

(Mr. ROTHFUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Sergeant George Thursby.

Sergeant Thursby, who I met last week, is a resident of New Florence, Pennsylvania. He was a B-24 gunner in the Army Air Forces during World War II.

Sergeant Thursby was forced to land and was taken prisoner of war after his aircraft was hit while bombing Munich. He attempted to escape but was arrested and returned to the POW camp. Conditions were abysmal, and Sergeant Thursby was skinny as a rail. He attempted to escape again and reached American lines in France.

When Sergeant Thursby returned home, he had a long and productive career working at U.S. Steel's Homestead Works and retired in 1983.

Last week, almost 70 years after his successful escape, Sergeant Thursby finally received his long overdue and well-deserved recognition in a ceremony at the Pentagon. He was awarded the Prisoner of War Medal.

Sergeant Thursby's bravery, strength, and spirit serves as an inspiration to all Americans. It is fitting that we honor him on Victory in Europe Day. Let us all take time to thank World War II veterans like Sergeant Thursby today for their service and sacrifice.

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