Kiggans Introduces Bill to Name Post Office After Local D-Day, Battle of the Bulge Hero— Colonel Edward Shames

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced legislation to designate the U.S. post office at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, VA the “Colonel Edward Shames Post Office Building,” honoring the extraordinary legacy of World War II veteran Colonel Edward Shames.

     Watch Rep. Kiggans’ speech here

Rep. Kiggans’ Speech from the House Floor as Prepared for Delivery

I rise today to speak on my bill designating the United States Postal Service facility located at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach as the Colonel Edward Shames Post Office Building.

Colonel Shames was a proud Virginian and a member of Easy Company, 101st Airborne Division, notably featured in the hit HBO documentary “Band of Brothers.” He parachuted into Normandy on D-Day, fought through Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge, and led under fire in some of the most consequential battles of World War II. For his courage and sacrifice, he was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

After the war, Colonel Shames continued serving our nation, eventually retiring as a colonel, and later made Virginia Beach his home where he became a dedicated community member and a tireless advocate for veterans.

As the last surviving officer of Easy Company, Colonel Shames represented the very best of the Greatest Generation. Naming this post office in his honor ensures his legacy of service, leadership, and patriotism will endure for generations to come.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Background:

Edward Shames enlisted in the United States Army in August 1942 and was assigned to the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.

 On June 6, 1944, he was among the brave American servicemembers who parachuted into Normandy as part of Operation Overlord—launching one of the most pivotal missions in the fight for freedom during World War II.

Upon receiving a battlefield commission and transferring to Easy Company, Shames served in the Netherlands during Operation Market Garden and the grueling conditions of the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. Shames is also noted as one of the first American soldiers to enter Adolf Hitler’s “Eagle’s Nest” in 1945.

For his gallantry and leadership, Shames received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, and his service was covered in Stephen E. Ambrose’s book as well as the acclaimed HBO miniseries, Band of Brothers.  

After serving as a specialist on Middle East affairs and in the U.S. Army Reserve, Shames retired from the U.S. Army with the rank of colonel in 1974. Following his retirement, Colonel Shames lived in Virginia Beach, serving as a steadfast advocate for veterans and the servicemembers he so proudly stood beside during World War II.

Colonel Shames’ service embodies courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to our nation. His legacy stands as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary valor of the Greatest Generation and the selfless commitment of those who answered the call to defend liberty.