December 15, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2557 the German POW camp for American officers Salopek, as celebrated in the biography by Duff, a constituent from Rialto, who where General Patton’s son-in-law also was Gerald Carson, ‘‘Big John’, or 1Lt John passed away on December 11, 2005. I cannot being held. As a result of the ill-fated raid to Salopek, to whom Fort Fillmore is being dedi- begin to express how saddened I am by the liberate the POWs in Hammelburg, all POWs cated today, was born on September 17, 1921 passing of my friend Jim. All men die, but not were evacuated from camp and were forced to in Croatia. At age eight, he arrived in the all men really live; we can honestly say that walk a treacherous journey of 241 miles in , settling in Las Cruces, New Jim lived to the fullest. He was a model cit- subzero weather across Germany before their Mexico. izen, veteran, community leader, father, grand- Salopek received a Reserve Officer’s Train- liberation on May 2, 1945. father, and an extraordinary man. Mr. Thompson’s account of his harrowing ing Corps (ROTC) commission in June 1944. experiences at Hammelburg and during this He was assigned to a platoon leader position Jim Duff was born and raised in Bonham, long march is a sobering reminder to readers in 1st Platoon, Company G of the infamous Texas but lived in Rialto, California for many of the sacrifices of our men and women in uni- 42nd ‘‘Rainbow’’ Division, 7th US Army. years until his passing. Jim was a remarkable form. In his introduction he wrote, ‘‘The fiftieth Salopek’s unit arrived in Marseille, France in example of courage and sacrifice. He joined anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge has December, 1944. The unit fought in the the Air Force and fought in World War II and passed. World War II seems ancient history to Ardennes-Alsace Campaign near Gambshein, Vietnam. Jim was a dedicated soldier who my grandchildren as much as the Civil War France. On January 5, 1944, Salopek’s pla- risked his life in the line of duty. For instance seemed to me when I was growing up. This toon was attacked by German panzers, and he was part of Project Ivy, the famous first test narrative is for my family as much as for the most were taken prisoner of war (POW) the of a hydrogen bomb at the Eniwetok atoll. next day. Salopek was taken to a head- public, a memoir of a horrible time, the likes Nevertheless, one of his proudest accomplish- of which I hope they will never have to live.’’ quarters command post of the elite Waffen- Schutztaffel (SS). Later, Salopek was trans- ments was Operation Fiddles, an effort to de- Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity liver food to innocent victims of war. to commend Harry Thompson for publishing ferred to Hammelburg Offizierlager XIIIB his memoirs. He says that he hopes that other (Oflag) POW camp of 1,500 officers, to in- After 25 years of service in the military, Jim Veterans and POWs will share their stories clude the son of Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin retired in 1970 to enjoy retirement with his and ‘‘that together we can record what it is for and the son-in-law of General Patton. On lovely wife of 55 years, Mrs. Doris Duff. Jim March 26, 1945, General Patton ordered Task America to be at war, what it is to serve in the and Doris met in Bonham, Texas where they Force Baum to Hammelburg to rescue the armed Forces of the United States of America grew up and went to school together. Aside paws. Only 300 of the 1,500 were rescued, to and, after service during wartime, what it from Doris, his sister Mary Fae Kamm, his son include 1LT Salopek. Two days later, Task means to salute the flag as well as why we, Bobby Douglas Duff, and two grandchildren. Force Baum was captured by Germans. Most as Veterans, sometimes have a tear or two Sequoia and Madrone, survive Jim. His dedi- were either killed or again taken POW. cation and courage live in his family; his son when we see a patriotic ceremony or parade.’’ Salopek evaded capture and fled to a German Harry Thompson has served our Nation in is a successful business owner in Duncanville, farm house near Richenbuch, where he re- two important ways—by his service and sac- mained until American troops liberated the Texas and his deceased daughter Carol D– rifice during World War II, and by the publica- Hammelburg POW camp on April 5, 1945. Lynn lost her life while rescuing her children tion of his book that will be part of the history The following year, 1LT Salopek, returned to from a dangerous riptide. of America for all to read. I am honored to pay his family’s farm in Mesilla, . Since retiring from the Air Force, Jim had tribute today in the House of Representatives Salopek’s father left over 300 acres of become a fixture of the community. He was to this great American and Veteran of World pecan farms to John in the Las Cruces area. Commander of Post 8737 of the Veterans of War II and to thank him for his service to our Salopek spent the remainder of his life work- Foreign Wars for fourteen years and held of- Nation. ing his land. fice within the organization at the statewide f 1LT Salopek was awarded the Silver Star, and national level, even serving as National Bronze, and Purple Heart for action in the TO RECOGNIZE THE DEDICATION VFW Post American Commander. In the Vet- Ardenned-Alsace Campaign. He died on April OF FORT FILLMORE, NEW MEX- 15, 2002.’’ erans of Foreign Wars, he dedicated himself ICO IN HONOR OF FIRST LIEU- to help fellow veterans by volunteering twice a f TENANT JOHN SALOPEK week without fail at Loma Linda Veterans Hos- TRIBUTE TO LATE JIM DUFF pital. Jim helped veterans fill out paperwork, HON. STEVAN PEARCE file claims, and fight for the health care rights OF NEW MEXICO HON. JOE BACA they deserve. I knew him well as a member of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA my Veterans Advisory Board. Thursday, December 15, 2005 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, I therefore wish to offer the Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Thursday, December 15, 2005 condolences of a grateful Nation to the family recognize the dedication of Fort Fillmore, New Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is with regret and of Mr. James Duff, an irreplaceable man who Mexico in honor of First Lieutenant John deep sadness that I rise to honor James ‘‘Jim’’ will not be forgotten.

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