The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE AND MILITARY SERVICE OF EUGENE S. KOLUPSKI
______
HON. BRIAN BABIN
of texas
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 26, 2021
Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of World War II veteran, Eugene S. Kolupski, who was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery today, July 26, 2021. Eugene was born on August 23, 1924, and passed away peacefully at his home in Encino, California, at the age of 94 on July 5, 2019.
During the Second World War, Eugene was a part of the 885th Heavy Bombardment Squadron of the United States Army Air Forces. He served in eight campaigns, including Northern France, Southern France, North Apennines, Po Valley, Balkans, Rome-Arno, Naples-Foggia, and the Rhineland. For his valiant military service, Eugene was awarded one Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, and a Presidential Distinguished Unit Emblem with an Oak Leaf Cluster, among other medals. Before he passed, he was also presented the French Legion of Honor Medal by the French Government, France's highest honor.
The 885th Heavy Bombardment Squadron, despite its name, never dropped a single bomb during the war. While under the command of the 15th Air Force, its missions were often top secret. They were often tasked with dropping Office of Strategic Service agents behind enemy territory and dispersing weapons and supplies to the French and Italian resistance. In preparation for the D-Day landings, the squadron placed agents behind enemy lines to obtain information on German installations and scout glider landing areas. They flew modified B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators that were painted black to better blend in during night missions. Since all of their operations were flown at unusually low altitudes, the 885th suffered some of the heaviest losses during the war.
Eugene is survived by his wife Delores (Taroni), his children, Thomas and his wife, Tamara, of Seabrook, Texas; Corinne Ginett and her husband, James, of Sodus Point, New York; Joseph of Encino, California; Ann Marie Porretta of Webster, New York, his seven grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
Madam Speaker, I honor Eugene S. Kolupski as one of the last members of the Greatest Generation. His faithful service to our country will not be forgotten, and my heartfelt prayers remain with his family and friends.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 130
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