Congressman Nick Langworthy Honors 102-year-old WWII Veteran from Elma Ahead of Veterans Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week,Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) honored 102-year-old WWII Bomber Pilot Herman “Pat” Pawlicki in a speech on the House Floor. Pat Pawlicki is a native of Western New York and currently lives in Elma.
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Remarks as prepared for delivery:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a true American hero, Herman “Pat” Pawlicki, a 102-year-old veteran from Elma, NY, who served our nation with unwavering dedication and valor.
On December 7, 1941, Pat heard reports of the attacks on Pearl Harbor on the radio. He was so moved with love for our country and for his fellow Americans that he drove to the military recruitment station and enlisted the very next day.
Pat went on to serve as a bomber pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force, completing an astounding 23 bombing missions over Austria and southern Germany, even striking Adolf Hitler's infamous retreat in the Bavarian Alps.
Pat’s dedication to our country extended beyond the battlefield. After the war, he continued to serve his community, working as a tool and die maker at Trico, and was active in labor unions until he retired.
He was a dedicated husband to his wife, Frances, and they raised two daughters together in Western New York. His remarkable contributions to our community have also been recognized by Elma Supervisor Wayne Clark.
Now, at the age of 102, Pat Pawlicki is a shining example of sacrifice, service, and unwavering dedication to our great nation. Thank you, Pat, for your service and your unyielding commitment to the principles that make America the land of the free and the home of the brave.”