The courage and service of an Algoma High School alum in post-World War II Europe was recognized Thursday by U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher. The Wisconsin Republican hosted the family of Captain Raymond Perry Birdsall II on Thursday to present to him posthumously four medals honoring him for his service. Birdsall II was a member of the Army and Army Reserve when he served in Germany during a pivotal period as Europe rebuilt following the destruction of World War II. He is credited with providing stability to the recovering region, supporting the mutual defense of the country’s NATO allies, and defending against Communist aggression in Western Europe. Rep. Gallagher was thrilled to award the Birdsall family four medals: The Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, The National Defense Service Medal, The Expert Badge with Carbine Bar, and The Marksman Badge with Pistol Bar.
In a speech presenting the medals to Birdsall's family, Rep. Gallagher said, "Ray's efforts contributed to the security and prosperity of our allies abroad while ensuring our adversaries would think twice about any plans to invade Western Europe or threaten American troops... I could not be prouder to present these medals to such an honorable service member and selfless American."
Birdsall led quite the life outside of his time in the military between 1952 and 1966 before he passed away at 90 in 2019. He played professional baseball for the Green Bay Jays, who at the time were a minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. He was also a member of the Algoma Chamber of Commerce from 1954 to 1966 and on the board of directors at Northbrook Country Club in Luxemburg for 15 years.
Pictures courtesy of Rep, Gallagher's Office
FULL REMARKS FROM REP. GALLAGHER:
It’s a privilege to be here today with you and your family to present your father’s medals.
Raymond Perry Birdsall II was born in Neenah on January 26, 1929. At age 16, he graduated from Algoma High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Wisconsin. His military service began when he was inducted into the United States Army on December 11, 1950. He then went to Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, from March to May 1951. After training, he was deployed to Germany.
Ray served in Germany during a pivotal period in both U.S. and world history. With Europe being rebuilt following the destruction of World War II, American servicemembers like Mr. Birdsall provided much-needed stability to a region that was still recovering from the war. Ray, along with his brothers and sisters in arms, supported the mutual defense of our NATO allies and served as the first line of defense against communist aggression in Western Europe. His efforts contributed to the security and prosperity of our allies abroad while ensuring our adversaries would think twice about any plans to invade Western Europe or threaten American troops.
After nearly two years of service, he was honorably discharged from active duty on November 8, 1952. But his service did not stop there. He chose to once again sign on the dotted line and continue serving our nation in the Army Reserves.
After Ray’s time on active duty came to a close, he settled down and married the love of his life, Arlene Anderson, on July 25, 1953, and went on to raise seven children.
As I understand it, he was quite an athlete: He served as a swimming instructor while attending the UW, played baseball for the Green Bay Blue Jays and for the Door County Cherry League, and – while in the Army – participated in the All-Star Basketball Game and earned the Southeast Oklahoma Golden Glove Heavy Weight Championship.
After over 15 years of service in the Army and Army Reserve, Captain Raymond Birdsall ultimately retired from the United States Army Reserve in March of 1966.
One of his final performance evaluations notes, “Captain Birdsall’s performance of duty as Battalion Adjutant was superior at all times. He is an energetic officer who exercises good judgement and common sense.
He was able to solve the problems of command and staff without hesitation. He expected and received the cooperation of his subordinates. He is a tall officer, neat in appearance, and physically qualified to perform his duties. This officer was a distinct asset to this unit and the reserve program.”
I could not be prouder to present these medals to such an honorable servicemember and selfless American:
The Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp,
The National Defense Service Medal,
The Expert Badge with Carbine Bar, and
The Marksman Badge with Pistol Bar.
Thank you for giving me the honor of obtaining these medals and decorations for your father’s service. Honoring fellow veterans like Ray is one of the greatest honors of this job. The nation thanks Captain Birdsall and your whole family for your father’s dedication to our country and its defense.
