Rep. Chu Introduces Bill to Rename Sierra Madre Post Office in Honor of Louis Van Iersel

Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) introduced a bill to rename a Sierra Madre, CA post office after Sergeant Louis Van Iersel, an immigrant, father, husband, and veteran who lived in Sierra Madre. Rep. Chu made the following remarks on House floor:

“I rise today to honor the memory of Sergeant Louis Van Iersel by introducing a bill to rename the Sierra Madre post office in his memory. Mr. Van Iersel’s incredible life is the true example of the American Dream. He arrived in the United States as an immigrant from the Netherlands in 1917 and enlisted in the U.S. Army the very next day. He learned English while working in the kitchen before moving onto the battlefield. For his acts of bravery that saved over 1000 American lives on a single mission, Mr. Van Iersel was awarded our nation’s highest honor – the Medal of Honor.

“After the war, Mr. Van Iersel moved to my district, in the city of Sierra Madre, to raise his family. But when World War II began, Mr. Van Iersel, along with his three sons, reenlisted – this time serving in the Marines. An immigrant, veteran, father, and husband, Mr. Van Iersel exemplified courage and service to his country. It is my honor to introduce this bill today.”

This legislation would designate the U.S. Postal Facility at 61 South Baldwin Avenue in Sierra Madre, California, the Louis Van Iersel Post Office.