— Middletown Committeeman Ryan Clarke, along with his family, were guests of Congressman Chris Smith (R-4) and attended the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for the United States Army Rangers of World War II held in the U.S. Capitol yesterday to honor his wife Kristen's late grandfather, William Henry Kwasnicki, a WWII Ranger who was wounded three times, received the Purple Heart and also received the Silver Star for gallantry in action on D-Day.

Private First Class Kwasnicki was born in Mahwah and served in the 2nd Infantry Ranger Battalion and stormed the beach on D-Day. He helped destroy the German artillery on Omaha Beach and was wounded three times and received the Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf clusters. He was also a recipient of the Silver Star for gallantry in action on D-Day, a Bronze Star and the entire Ranger unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

In 2022, Rep. Smith supported the legislation, S 1872, (PL 117-132) which mandated the award on behalf of Congress for the United States Army Rangers Veterans in recognition of their dedicated service during Whttps://themonmouthjournaleastern.com/grandfather-of-middletown-committeeman-clarkes-wife-kristen-honored-at-c-p17821-73.htmW II.

“The United States is especially indebted to the service, bravery and heroism of those who defended freedom in World War II,” said Congressman Chirs Smith, who represents both Wardell and the Clarke family in Congress, and who also served as chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.


Congressman Chris Smith (back row, fourth from right) and Middletown Township Committeeman Ryan Clarke (to Smith's right) along with Clarke's family, attended the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for the United States Army Rangers of World War II to honor Clarke's wife Kristen's late grandfather, William Henry Kwasnicki.

Congressman Smith said the Army Rangers, "fought with unmatched courage and tenacity, under the most difficult conditions, met the enemy head on overcoming ferocious defenses while leading the invasion of Europe to ultimately secure victory and peace. We are forever grateful to these heroes and their extended family members for their sacrifice and service to our nation."

This article was published by the Monmouth Journal on June 27, 2027 and can be found online at:
https://themonmouthjournaleastern.com/grandfather-of-middletown-committeeman-clarkes-wife-kristen-honored-at-c-p17821-73.htm