The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING DR. DIETER MARTIN GRUEN'S 99TH BIRTHDAY
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HON. SEAN CASTEN
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Mr. CASTEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Dr. Dieter Martin Gruen's 99th birthday, honor his service and contributions to the scientific community, and record my continued support for his nomination for the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
For nearly eight decades, Dr. Gruen has worked to enhance American technology development as a former Manhattan Project Scientist and Argonne National Laboratory Distinguished Fellow. Born in 1922, Dr. Gruen is an internationally esteemed German-American chemist, inventor, and innovator who immigrated to the U.S. from Nazi Germany in 1936. Throughout his career, Dr. Gruen has been driven by his curiosity and commitment to science--allowing him to make critical contributions to nuclear fission and fusion, solar energy, energy storage, and conservation. Specifically, Dr. Gruen has made several key technological advancements such as the nuclear submarine reactor cooling design and purification of uranium used to end World War II in the Pacific theater.
Through this work and countless other selfless endeavors, Dr. Gruen has been recognized by the international scientific community with numerous awards--including from Argonne National Laboratory, Northwestern University, and the Patent Law Association of Chicago--for his pioneering research in chemistry, physics, along with the emerging fields of materials and nanoscience. Dr. Gruen has been granted over 60 U.S. patents for his work in alternative energy and discoveries in interdisciplinary subjects. His lifelong contribution to science and alternative energy technology is exemplary and his work continues through today. Dr. Gruen's tireless efforts to solve future clean energy challenges presented by climate change is seldom exhibited by an individual. Humble and unpretentious, Dr. Gruen has and remains the embodiment of a dedicated American and pure scientist.
Dr. Gruen's story is the story of many immigrant Americans: those who left behind places of persecution, discrimination, and lack of opportunity for a brighter future. Those who arrived on our shores and helped build our nation through their hard-work, courageous spirit, unyielding dedication, and personal sacrifice. His courage and tenacity is an inspiration for us all.
Through the years, I have had the great pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Gruen, and learned from his countless stories about his work on the Manhattan Project, the nuts and bolts of nuclear fission technology, and his unique journey to the United States. At 99, Dr. Gruen still sees the world as a place of vast opportunities for technological innovation, a quality that I know encourages my own optimism to tackle issues facing our society.
For the reasons mentioned here and many more, I sincerely believe that Dr. Dieter Gruen should be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his lifelong contributions to science and technology that continue today. Dr. Gruen's tireless efforts to solve future energy challenges is seldom exhibited by an individual. Humble and unpretentious, Dr. Gruen has and remains the embodiment of a dedicated American and pure scientist.
In April 2021, my colleagues Representatives Bill Foster, French Hill, Jerry McNerney, and Cheri Bustos joined me in supporting Dr. Gruen's nomination for the highest civilian award in this country. Dr. Gruen has dedicated his life to science and made monumental contributions to shaping the United States as a leader and world power in technology, innovation, and national defense.
Congratulations to Dr. Gruen for his decades of accomplishments and exceptional contributions to science and the national security interests of the United States. I cannot think of a more deserving citizen for this award and today I wish him the happiest of birthdays.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 201(1), Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 201(2)
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