U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines last week recognized Ed Maierle of Cascade County for his service to our country during World War II. Ed also celebrated his 100th birthday on June 6, 2021, which was the 77th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in France.
Through his “Montanan of the Month” initiative, every month Daines will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.
Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Month” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: HERE.
The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record:
TRIBUTE TO A. ED MAIERLE OF CASCADE COUNTY
Mr. DAINES. Mr. President. Today I have the distinct honor of recognizing A. Ed Maierle of Cascade County as Montanan of the Month for his service to our country during World War II. Ed is also celebrating his 100th birthday on June 6, 2021, which is the 77th anniversary of the D Day invasion in France.
Ed enlisted in the United States Navy after Pearl Harbor was bombed. He was sent to Hawaii and became an “Avenger,” a member of a torpedo bomber squadron stationed at Pearl Harbor. Ed also manned a 50 caliber machine gun on a PBY, a WWII seaplane. He later was stationed for two years as a Propeller Specialist with a B-24 squadron on Esperitu Santo New Heberde Island. As part of this squadron, he flew daily missions, scouting for the dreaded A6M Zero Japanese fighter planes.
After the war, Ed was stationed for one year at Whidbey Island, Washington before returning to Montana. For two summers, Ed and his wife, Mary Alice, became the first couple in the U.S. to man a United States Forest Service fire lookout tower. Following this adventure, Ed embarked on a very successful career in the insurance business. He and Mary Alice were very active in community service. They both shared a strong faith in the Lord and were recognized for their 24 years of service in the Helena area nursing home ministry.
Ed epitomizes the heart of a veteran—a Montana hero—whose selfless service must not be forgotten. On behalf of a grateful nation, I want to thank Ed for his service to our country and I wish you a very happy birthday celebration with your family.