Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-08-20

RECOGNIZING LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL RECIPIENT PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN C. TIRANNO ON THE 82ND ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

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Context

On 2026-08-20, Representative Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY-26) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL RECIPIENT PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN C. TIRANNO ON THE 82ND ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY" in the House.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL RECIPIENT PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN C. TIRANNO ON THE 82ND ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E801-E802] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL RECIPIENT PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN C. TIRANNO ON THE 82ND ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY ______ HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY of new york in the house of representatives Thursday, August 20, 2026 Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on the 82nd anniversary of D- Day, I rise to recognize Private First Class John C. Tiranno who received the Legion of Honour Medal from the French Republic for his part in the liberation of France from Nazi occupation during World War II. Private First Class John Tiranno and many others put their lives on the line, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the Allied Forces during World War II and contributing to a pivotal victory for the Allied [[Page E802]] Forces in one of the most important battles in American history. The Invasion of Normandy, also known as D-Day and Operation Overlord, began on June 6, 1944. The operation included a 1,200-plane airborne assault with over 5,000 vessels and 160,000 troops. By the end of August 1944, there were over two million Allied soldiers stationed and fighting in Normandy. Operation Overlord began an Allied campaign that culminated in the liberation of German-occupied Western Europe. Born on July 14, 1925, in Buffalo, New York, Mr. Tiranno enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Combat Infantryman from October 27, 1943, until May 11, 1945. Mr. Tiranno specialized as a Light Mortar Crewman and was part of the 330th Infantry of the 83rd Division in Normandy. On June 12, 1944, Mr. Tiranno's unit arrived on Omaha Beach after being called in to provide relief and backup to their comrades in arms. After being honorably discharged, Mr. Tiranno returned home on May 11th, 1945, and on the second anniversary of D-Day, he married the love of his life of nearly eight decades, the late Mrs. Lee Tiranno. Together they had a son, Samuel, and were later blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Tiranno's service was marked by extraordinary dedication and sacrifice to this country, having received a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart, a Good Conduct Medal, a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, a World War II Victory Medal, a Combat Infantryman 1st Award, and an Honorable Service Lapel Button for his service, and the Legion of Honor Medal from the French Republic. The National Order of the Legion of Honour is the highest decoration bestowed by France and is awarded only to those who have demonstrated ``outstanding merit.'' American veterans who risked their lives while fighting on French territory during World War II qualify to receive this distinction as Knights of the Legion of Honour, presented under the authority of the Consulate General of France in New York, Cedrik Fouriscot. It serves as a tribute to their courage in battle, their sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of those who were wounded or lost their lives in service. It is an honor to recognize Private First Class John C. Tiranno on the Anniversary of D-Day. The people of the United States and France will never forget what John C. Tiranno, and many other brave soldiers, have done during World War II to defend our freedom and democracy.

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RECOGNIZING LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL RECIPIENT PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN C. TIRANNO ON THE 82ND ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E801-E802] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL RECIPIENT PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN C. TIRANNO ON THE 82ND ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY ______ HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY of new york in the house of representatives Thursday, August 20, 2026 Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on the 82nd anniversary of D- Day, I rise to recognize Private First Class John C. Tiranno who received the Legion of Honour Medal from the French Republic for his part in the liberation of France from Nazi occupation during World War II. Private First Class John Tiranno and many others put their lives on the line, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the Allied Forces during World War II and contributing to a pivotal victory for the Allied [[Page E802]] Forces in one of the most important battles in American history. The Invasion of Normandy, also known as D-Day and Operation Overlord, began on June 6, 1944. The operation included a 1,200-plane airborne assault with over 5,000 vessels and 160,000 troops. By the end of August 1944, there were over two million Allied soldiers stationed and fighting in Normandy. Operation Overlord began an Allied campaign that culminated in the liberation of German-occupied Western Europe. Born on July 14, 1925, in Buffalo, New York, Mr. Tiranno enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Combat Infantryman from October 27, 1943, until May 11, 1945. Mr. Tiranno specialized as a Light Mortar Crewman and was part of the 330th Infantry of the 83rd Division in Normandy. On June 12, 1944, Mr. Tiranno's unit arrived on Omaha Beach after being called in to provide relief and backup to their comrades in arms. After being honorably discharged, Mr. Tiranno returned home on May 11th, 1945, and on the second anniversary of D-Day, he married the love of his life of nearly eight decades, the late Mrs. Lee Tiranno. Together they had a son, Samuel, and were later blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Tiranno's service was marked by extraordinary dedication and sacrifice to this country, having received a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart, a Good Conduct Medal, a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, a World War II Victory Medal, a Combat Infantryman 1st Award, and an Honorable Service Lapel Button for his service, and the Legion of Honor Medal from the French Republic. The National Order of the Legion of Honour is the highest decoration bestowed by France and is awarded only to those who have demonstrated ``outstanding merit.'' American veterans who risked their lives while fighting on French territory during World War II qualify to receive this distinction as Knights of the Legion of Honour, presented under the authority of the Consulate General of France in New York, Cedrik Fouriscot. It serves as a tribute to their courage in battle, their sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of those who were wounded or lost their lives in service. It is an honor to recognize Private First Class John C. Tiranno on the Anniversary of D-Day. The people of the United States and France will never forget what John C. Tiranno, and many other brave soldiers, have done during World War II to defend our freedom and democracy.