Floor SpeechCeremonial2024-09-18

HONORING THE SERVICE OF NICK F. KASTRANTAS DURING WORLD WAR II

DefenseVeterans

Context

On 2024-09-18, Representative Haley M. Stevens (D-MI-11) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE SERVICE OF NICK F. KASTRANTAS DURING WORLD WAR II" in the House. The speech addressed defense and also covered veterans affairs.

Full Text

HONORING THE SERVICE OF NICK F. KASTRANTAS DURING WORLD WAR II

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 145 (Wednesday, September 18, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 145 (Wednesday, September 18, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E921] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF NICK F. KASTRANTAS DURING WORLD WAR II ______ HON. HALEY M. STEVENS of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 18, 2024 Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize the honorable life of Sergeant Nicholas F. Kastrantas, a distinguished veteran, father, and artist. Mr. Kastrantas, in his military service, creative endeavors, and personal life displayed intelligence, dedication, and a commitment to fighting on behalf of the greater good. Mr. Kastrantas was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Greece, where he joined the Greek army and mastered the art of cartography. He returned to the U.S. in 1939 and immediately enlisted to serve his country. He was personally selected by Lieutenant Colonel James Gavin to contribute his artistic and linguistic abilities to the 505th Parachute Infantry. Mr. Kastrantas was a skilled mapmaker and spoke five languages fluently, allowing him to be an incredible asset to the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. Affectionately nicknamed ``The Greek,'' he used his skills to map drop points at Normandy and completed four combat jumps in Normandy, Sicily, Salerno, and Holland as a paratrooper. His intelligence and abilities were invaluable, enabling him to create a 3-dimensional sand table map for his unit's mission on D-Day. Nick also fought in the Battle of the Bulge and earned six bronze stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge through his heroic service. Mr. Kastrantas settled down in Detroit, MI after the war and made a name for himself as a commercial artist. He lived a long life and left us on August 31, 2011. His legacy lives on through his daughter, Ann, and in his murals that can be found in restaurants around Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply honored to recognize the life and service of Private Nicholas F. Kastrantas--a man who used his creativity and dedication to serve his country in its hour of need. Please join me in celebrating his wondrous life. ____________________

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HONORING THE SERVICE OF NICK F. KASTRANTAS DURING WORLD WAR II Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 145 (Wednesday, September 18, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 145 (Wednesday, September 18, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E921] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF NICK F. KASTRANTAS DURING WORLD WAR II ______ HON. HALEY M. STEVENS of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 18, 2024 Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize the honorable life of Sergeant Nicholas F. Kastrantas, a distinguished veteran, father, and artist. Mr. Kastrantas, in his military service, creative endeavors, and personal life displayed intelligence, dedication, and a commitment to fighting on behalf of the greater good. Mr. Kastrantas was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Greece, where he joined the Greek army and mastered the art of cartography. He returned to the U.S. in 1939 and immediately enlisted to serve his country. He was personally selected by Lieutenant Colonel James Gavin to contribute his artistic and linguistic abilities to the 505th Parachute Infantry. Mr. Kastrantas was a skilled mapmaker and spoke five languages fluently, allowing him to be an incredible asset to the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. Affectionately nicknamed ``The Greek,'' he used his skills to map drop points at Normandy and completed four combat jumps in Normandy, Sicily, Salerno, and Holland as a paratrooper. His intelligence and abilities were invaluable, enabling him to create a 3-dimensional sand table map for his unit's mission on D-Day. Nick also fought in the Battle of the Bulge and earned six bronze stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge through his heroic service. Mr. Kastrantas settled down in Detroit, MI after the war and made a name for himself as a commercial artist. He lived a long life and left us on August 31, 2011. His legacy lives on through his daughter, Ann, and in his murals that can be found in restaurants around Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply honored to recognize the life and service of Private Nicholas F. Kastrantas--a man who used his creativity and dedication to serve his country in its hour of need. Please join me in celebrating his wondrous life. ____________________