In Recognition of Abraham Lazar on the Occasion of His 80th Birthday Celebration

IN RECOGNITION OF ABRAHAM LAZAR ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION -- (Extensions of Remarks - November 16, 2004)

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the achievements of Abraham Lazar, a great American and longtime resident of New York. On Sunday, November 7, 2004, Abraham's many friends, family and colleagues gathered in his current hometown of Lake Worth, Florida to celebrate his 80th birthday. Birthdays are a time for reflection, and I feel that it is fitting to pay tribute to this truly remarkable man. Abraham Lazar served his country with distinction, both in the U.S. naval service and in civilian life. I am privileged to be able to share some of his more memorable exploits with you.

Mr. Lazar and his ten brothers and sisters were born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School and graduated shortly after the United States entered World War II. At the age of seventeen, Abe enlisted in the Navy and quickly established a distinguished service record.

Abe served in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters of battle. Mr. Lazar participated in the Battle of Peleliu, a struggle for a tiny airstrip amid the Palau Islands of the Western Pacific. Despite the island's small size, the battle for Peleliu lasted nearly two months and claimed more than 12,000 lives. Allied forces ultimately prevailed and captured the island, but Mr. Lazar was severely wounded in the battle. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice.

Abe received another Purple Heart during the war, this time for his service in the Atlantic. I understand that Mr. Lazar's landing craft was sunk in the North Atlantic by a German U-Boat. Abe was forced overboard, and the fleeing submarine strafed his life raft with gunfire; despite these incredible dangers, Abe managed to survive, spending nearly twelve hours in open water before he was rescued. For his heroic service, Abe was promoted to Chief Motor Machinist's Mate, one of the highest ranks to which an enlisted sailor can be named.

After the war, Abe attended New York University and received a bachelor's degree, with honors, in engineering. In civilian life, Mr. Lazar worked with noted scientist Wernher von Braun to develop the Pershing missile system and was also employed by the Bulova Corporation to design and manufacture missile timing devices. Mr. Lazar is currently enjoying a well-deserved retirement in Florida, where he lives with his wife of 56 years, Anita.

Mr. Speaker, I request that my colleagues join me in honoring Abraham Lazar's lifetime of service to our nation. I'm sure that Abe's family, longtime friends and colleagues will join me in wishing him many more years of happiness. Happy birthday, Mr. Lazar.