The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF MASTER SERGEANT HAROLD SHOEPFLIN
______
HON. RALPH NORMAN
of south carolina
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the service of Master Sergeant Harold Shoepflin of South Carolina.
A true American hero, Harold bravely served our country throughout World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In 1943, he enlisted in the Navy and was sent to Camp Perry, Virginia where he was assigned to a newly commissioned 72nd Construction Battalion. The battalion soon boarded a ship in Norfolk before heading to Pearl Harbor. In Hawaii, the battalion constructed runways, Quonset Huts, and a fuel tank field for the Navy and Marine Corps. Harold lost several close friends during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He also lost his brother, Bob, who was killed in action in Guam.
Despite these losses, following World War II, Harold enlisted in the Marine Corps. From there, he went through Parris Island, Camp Lejeune, and Camp Pendleton. When the Korean War erupted, Harold endured Marine Corps Cold Weather Mountain training and then traveled to Japan with the 1st Armored Amphibious Battalion.
After serving in Inchon during the Korean War, Harold returned to California where he spent several years at Camp Pendleton with the 7th Marine Engineers, attending various Leadership Schools.
Following the outbreak of the Vietnam War, Harold's battalion shipped out on a landing ship tank heading for Da Nang. During his time in Vietnam, Harold was assigned to Iron Mountain, and was also in charge of Base Services Recovery in Chu Lai.
After these many dangerous tours, Harold retired as a Master Sergeant in 1971. As a testament to his exemplary military career, Harold amassed many notable honors and accolades, including the World War II Navy Occupation Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ``V,'' the Presidential Unit Citation, the American Campaign Medal, and numerous others. Following his military service, Harold and his family retired to Charleston, South Carolina where he maintained a successful career in the insurance and real estate industry. He also owned and operated a shrimp boat. Harold enjoyed 49 years of blissful marriage to his beautiful wife Ruth until her passing in 1996. Together, the couple raised four wonderful children: Debra, Nancy, Joy, and Harold Jr. Their son Harold followed in his father's footsteps and went on to serve as a major in the Marine Corps.
On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, I thank Harold for his outstanding service. He has created a lasting legacy of duty, honor, and courage, and our nation is better for his sacrifice.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 203
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