Master Sergeant Melvin O. Handrich Post Office Building

Floor Speech

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Mr. WIED. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this bill to rename the United States Post Office in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in honor of Master Sergeant Melvin O. Handrich, a Waupaca County native, a Medal of Honor recipient, and a hero who served our Nation in both World War II and the Korean war.

In August 1950, Master Sergeant Handrich and his company faced overwhelming enemy forces attempting to overrun their position. Despite intense and sustained fire, he voluntarily moved to an exposed forward post where he directed mortar and artillery fire for 8 hours as enemy soldiers advanced to within 50 feet of his position.

When he saw elements of his company preparing to withdraw, he crossed open, fire-swept ground to rally and reorganize his men, restoring the line and enabling them to continue the fight.

Though severely wounded, he refused evacuation and returned to his forward position to continue directing fire. He remained there until the enemy overran his post, and he was mortally wounded.

When the position was retaken, more than 70 enemy dead were found in the area he had so courageously defended.

Master Sergeant Handrich's extraordinary bravery, leadership, and self-sacrifice reflect the highest traditions of our military and of the State of Wisconsin. Naming this post office in his honor ensures that his legacy will be remembered by future generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

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