Recognizing Private First Class (Pfc) Edmund F. Lewis

Floor Speech

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Mr. STEUBE. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Private First Class (PFC) Edmund F. Lewis, of Port Charlotte, Florida. On October 1, 2022, PFC Lewis will be awarded the Legion d'honneur, France's highest honor for acts of valor and integrity. PFC Lewis was drafted into service in 1943 and deployed to France in January of 1945 with the 65th Infantry Division. During his time in combat, PFC Lewis helped reestablish freedom for France from its hostile occupation by Nazi Germany. As an Infantryman, he found himself fighting on the front lines, advancing from town to town to free the occupied territory. Often under the presence of heavy enemy resistance, PFC Lewis and the allied forces pushed their way west into Germany and beyond, with the goal of bringing an end to the war. After months of fighting, PFC Lewis and his brothers in arms were able to secure the surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945. Following the surrender, PFC Lewis aided in the liberation of one of the most infamous Concentration Camps, Mauthausen, and freed thousands of prisoners who were held captive there. I thank PFC Lewis for his years of dedicated service to our Nation and congratulate him on receiving the Legion d'honneur.

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