MR. LIPINSKI, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding constituent who is a courageous veteran of World War II, Mr. Bruno Perino. Mr. Perino has been awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal for his bravery in helping to liberate France as a rifleman in the 45th Division of the U.S. Army. The Legion of Honor was established by Napoleon Bonaparte on May 19, 1802 and is the highest decoration in France.

Bruno Perino, a native of Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood, was drafted into the United States Army at the young age of 18 and survived countless attacks by the Germans and singlehandedly captured a German officer and his soldiers in Alsace-Lorraine. Shortly after the brave capture, Bruno Perino was injured by enemy fire that took the lives of half of his battalion. Bruno was treated by his own brother, Joe Perino, just two years his senior, at the field hospital. He quickly recovered and entered the battlefield again under General Patton.

Throughout all the bloodshed and loss of soldiers and friends, Bruno Perino remained humble and devotional, keeping his faith with him and praying daily.  After the war was over, Bruno returned to Chicago and was honorably discharged with many decorations, including three Bronze Stars.

Today, Bruno Perino is married with three children and blessed with nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is retired from the City of Chicago.  His family, friends, and colleagues are truly blessed to know such a fine example of faith and devotion.

I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Bruno Perino for his outstanding courage and bravery, and his service to our nation. And I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Perino and his family, and congratulate him on being made a Knight of the Legion of Honor.