Smucker Introduces Legislation to Honor Lancaster World War II Veteran
Washington, DC—Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) introduced legislation to honor the life of Lancaster County World War II Veteran, and last known survivor of the Malmedy Massacre, Harold Billow, who passed away at the age of 99 earlier this year. Smucker's legislation would designate the Mount Joy Post Office Building as the "Harold Billow Post Office Building" in honor of Billow, a lifelong Mount Joy resident. Smucker's legislation was introduced with the support of the entire Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation.
"Mr. Harold Billow selflessly served our nation as a member of the United States Armed Forces and lived through an unspeakable war crime during his service. After returning home from the war, each Memorial Day, July 4th holiday, and Veterans Day since returning from the war Mr. Billow would honor and remember the 87 fellow soldiers lost during the Malmedy Massacre, by displaying 87 American flags in his front yard. He was truly a patriot and an exceptional member of the Greatest Generation. I am hopeful Congress will advance this legislation to thank him for his service and honor his memory," said Smucker.
"Lancaster County is proud to have been home to such a celebrated veteran and outstanding citizen like Harold Billow. While he will certainly be missed in his community, I am proud to support Rep. Smucker's proposed commemoration of Mr. Billow's distinguished service and heroic sacrifice to our nation. May we never forget his great display of bravery and courage in defense of our freedom," said State Sen. Ryan Aument.
"It is truly fitting that Mr. Billow's many contributions and record of service to his community and Country be recognized in this way. His good work and the many sacrifices he made to help others will always be remembered and will serve as a legacy for others to follow," said State Representative Dave Hickernell.
"Harold was a legend in Lancaster County and in the veteran community. He was a great American patriot and friend to many of us. One thing I will remember most about Harold, whether he was sitting around his kitchen table or he was meeting the President of the United States, was his genuine humor and interest in other people. Renaming the post office in his home community of Mount Joy will be a fitting tribute to a wonderful person," said Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons.
"As the last living survivor of the Malmendy Massacre, Harold Billow stood as a living memorial to the atrocities committed against American servicemen and the strength of the human spirit. His dedication to his fallen comrades was to be evidenced by his tireless commitment to retell their story in a multitude of civic settings, and to mark their sacrifice through the meticulous display of 87 flags to honor each of the 87 fallen men during each major patriotic holiday. He was honored and loved by our community for his faithful devotion and kind spirit," said Mount Joy Borough Mayor Tim Bradley.
"Mr. Billow represents the best of Lancaster County and we are proud that the post office in Mount Joy will bear his name as a reminder of his life of service and patriotism. The Mount Joy VFW Post 5752 is fully supportive of this measure and we thank you for honoring one of our own," saidDonna Hershey, Quartermaster of the Mounty Joy VFW Post 5752.
"During his life, Mr. Harold Billow was an excellent reminder to our community of what true sacrifice and patriotism looks like. It is entirely fitting that the Mount Joy Post Office Building be designated the "Harold Billow Post Office Building", as both a tribute to Harold's life and a reminder of his legacy to future generations," said East Donegal Township Supervisor Tom Jones.
Background:
A Mount Joy resident since the age of six, Mr. Billow was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and trained as a "flash and sound" technician. During World War II, he was attached to Battery B of the 285th Field Artillery Observation Battalion and arrived in France in 1944 at the age of 21.
On December 17th, 1944, Mr. Billow and 120 others in his unit were captured by Nazi soldiers, who fired upon the group rather than taking prisoners. 87 American soldiers were killed in this attack, which would later become known as the Malmedy Massacre. Mr. Billow was not struck by the bullets but fell to the ground and pretended to be dead as the Nazis walked among the survivors and shot any living men in the head. After several hours, he escaped by running to a nearby house with other survivors then, realizing the Nazis were behind them, he fled in the open air until he was found by the U.S. 30th Armored Division.
Upon returning to the U.S., Mr. Billow spent the rest of his life in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, and was a committed member of VFW Post 5752 in Mount Joy, the Mount Joy Fire Department, American Legion Post 466 of Marietta, Pennsylvania, and the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.
Every year on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day Mr. Billow honored the 87 fellow soldiers he lost during the Malmedy Massacre by planting 87 American flags in his front yard. When he passed away in May 2022 at the age of 99, he was the last known living survivor of the Massacre.