In Memory of Herman ``herk'' Streitburger

Floor Speech

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Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Herman ``Herk'' Streitburger, a World War II hero and prisoner of war who passed away in late May, less than a month before his 101st birthday. Through both his military service and his subsequent community engagement, Herk will be remembered as a shining example of American fortitude, ingenuity, and empathy.

During World War II, Herk served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a radio operator and gunner on a B-24 Liberator bomber. During his final mission with the 98th Bombardment Group, his plane was shot down over German territory. He was taken to the Stalag Luft IV prison camp, where he and fellow prisoners listened to war reports on a contraband radio they carefully concealed in a hollow table leg. Buoyed by radio reports of Allied success, they made a risky escape during a deadly winter march. After being caught by a German soldier, Herk's quick thinking and compassion secured their safety: he spoke German with the officer, offered him coffee and a smuggled American cigarette, and they shook hands, parting in peace.

After the war, Herk attended college through the GI bill and later started a family, first on Long Island before moving to Bedford in 1967. Following a career in marketing, he spent decades mentoring small business owners with SCORE and visiting with school groups to talk about his POW experience and life lessons. All those who knew Herk or ever heard him speak remarked at his positive attitude and optimism about life.

Herk was an engaged member of local and regional veterans associations, including Honor Flight New England, the American Legion NH, the NH Ex-POW Chapter #1, and the Northeast POW/MIA Network. In his community, he was admired for his ardent faith, generosity, and optimism.

On behalf of all of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I share my condolences to Herk's four children, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. May Herk Streitburger's memory be for a blessing.

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