Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-02

RECOGNIZING OSCAR LEROY WADE

Foreign PolicyDefenseChinaVeterans

Context

On 2026-02-02, Representative Jason Smith (R-MO-8) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING OSCAR LEROY WADE" in the House. The speech addressed foreign policy and also covered defense, China.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING OSCAR LEROY WADE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E88] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING OSCAR LEROY WADE _____ HON. JASON SMITH of missouri in the house of representatives Monday, February 2, 2026 Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Oscar Leroy Wade of Farmington, Missouri. He died January 2, 2026, at the age of 97, and was among the last of the veterans from Farmington who served in World War II. Mr. Wade's military service in the U.S. Navy became a cornerstone of his life. He enlisted at the age of 17 on August 6, 1946, and received an honorable discharge on April 29, 1948. He served in the South Pacific on the USS Whiteside. He earned the China Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal. Leroy served in the South Pacific on the USS Whiteside. He took great pride in collecting Navy memorabilia and telling stories of his time at sea. Leroy was a member of Farmington VFW Post 5896 and when he was able, frequently attended veterans' events. In his later years, he would rise from his seat, hold onto his walker to stand at attention and salute when the colors were presented or when Taps was played. In 2015, he joined a group of local veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to visit veterans' memorials. His room at Maplebrook Assisted Living was decorated in tribute to his naval service. Leroy was born August 2, 1928, in Farmington and is survived by his sister, Barbara Cornellson, and his children, Cathy Mana, Mary LeTourneau, Nancy Rariden, Greg Wade, Diane Byrd and stepdaughter Kellie Grief. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 20 great- grandchildren. It is my great privilege to acknowledge Mr. Wade's patriotic pride and celebrate his military service today before the United States House of Representatives. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING OSCAR LEROY WADE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E88] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING OSCAR LEROY WADE _____ HON. JASON SMITH of missouri in the house of representatives Monday, February 2, 2026 Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Oscar Leroy Wade of Farmington, Missouri. He died January 2, 2026, at the age of 97, and was among the last of the veterans from Farmington who served in World War II. Mr. Wade's military service in the U.S. Navy became a cornerstone of his life. He enlisted at the age of 17 on August 6, 1946, and received an honorable discharge on April 29, 1948. He served in the South Pacific on the USS Whiteside. He earned the China Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal. Leroy served in the South Pacific on the USS Whiteside. He took great pride in collecting Navy memorabilia and telling stories of his time at sea. Leroy was a member of Farmington VFW Post 5896 and when he was able, frequently attended veterans' events. In his later years, he would rise from his seat, hold onto his walker to stand at attention and salute when the colors were presented or when Taps was played. In 2015, he joined a group of local veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to visit veterans' memorials. His room at Maplebrook Assisted Living was decorated in tribute to his naval service. Leroy was born August 2, 1928, in Farmington and is survived by his sister, Barbara Cornellson, and his children, Cathy Mana, Mary LeTourneau, Nancy Rariden, Greg Wade, Diane Byrd and stepdaughter Kellie Grief. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 20 great- grandchildren. It is my great privilege to acknowledge Mr. Wade's patriotic pride and celebrate his military service today before the United States House of Representatives. ____________________