Muskogee veteran medical center likely be named after local hero
By WORLD WASHINGTON BUREAU
5/27/2006
The bill, which received U.S. Senate approval Friday, will go to the president.
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Senate gave final legislative approval Friday to a proposal to name the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Muskogee for the late World War II Medal of Honor recipient Jack C. Montgomery.
The bill goes to President Bush for his signature.
"I find it only fitting that we pay tribute to an individual like Jack Montgomery for his selflessness both on the battlefield and here at home," said Rep. Dan Boren, D-Okla., who sponsored the bill with Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla.
"I am pleased we were able to honor his devoted service to his state, country and fellow veter ans through this legislation."
Boren's bill passed the House earlier this month.
Coburn described Montgomery as a true Oklahoma hero who embodied the American spirit of service, honor and sacrifice.
"I'm proud we can honor this great man's legacy and service to the country by adding his name to a place he devoted much time and effort," he said.
"We are truly thankful to veterans like Mr. Montgomery for protecting our freedoms."
Montgomery, a native of Long, enlisted in the 45th Division Thunderbirds of the Oklahoma National Guard while attending Bacone College in Muskogee.
He received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military citation, from President Franklin Roosevelt for his actions near Padiglione, Italy, on Feb. 22, 1944, which resulted in 11 enemy dead and the capture of 32 prisoners.
Montgomery's other military honors included the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart with Cluster.
After he left the military, he worked for the Veterans Administration in Muskogee and continued to volunteer at the medical center after his retirement.
Montgomery died June 11, 2002. He was 84.
