Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) last night held an event on Capitol Hill honoring World War II (WWII) veterans Sgt. Don Malarkey and Lt. Lynn “Buck” Compton, members of the 101st Airborne Division’s Easy Company during the Allied advance toward victory.  Malarkey, a resident of Salem, Oregon, and Compton, a resident of Mount Vernon, Washington, gave a presentation to members and staff of the U.S. House of Representatives about their service and leadership in WWII as depicted by the Stephen Ambrose novel and HBO miniseries “Band of Brothers.”   

Both gentlemen are in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.  Vance Day, a former news reporter and historian also from Oregon, moderated the presentation.

“As we approach the 60th Anniversary of the Allied Victory in Europe, these decorated war heroes have an important story to tell with fewer and fewer World War II veterans left to tell those stories,” said Larsen.  “I am honored to represent in Congress Lt. Buck Compton, a humble hero.  I am so grateful that he came all the way across the country to share with us firsthand what millions of Americans only experienced through a television miniseries or in a book.”

“The reality of D-Day and the grueling years that followed can only truly be known by the men of Easy Company and the countless others who served America so bravely during World War II.  Their stories are lessons to us all about leadership, sacrifice and gallantry,” said Walden.  “This era was an important part of global history and one that we must never forget.  Having Don and Buck travel so far to share their experiences is an honor, and I’m sure I speak for everyone who was in the room when I say how grateful we are for the service these men and their comrades gave to the cause of freedom.”

The U.S. House of Representatives voted today on House Resolutions 195 and 233 recognizing the 60th anniversary of VE Day. 

If you want photos of the Congressmen with the veterans, please contact Abbey Levenshus at (202) 226-9716 or abbey.levenshus@mail.house.gov.

Congressman Larsen represents the Second District of Washington, which includes five counties in northwestern Washington.

Congressman Walden represents the Second District of Oregon, which includes 20 counties in southern, central and eastern Oregon.