For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, May 9, 2006 

WASHINGTON D.C. - Legislation introduced by U.S. Congressman Dan Boren to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma as the Jack C. Montgomery Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center passed the House of Representatives today.  Montgomery, a World War II veteran and former VA employee, will be recognized for his years of outstanding service by having the Muskogee VA Medical Center permanently bear his name.

 

“Jack proudly served our country in World War II, and returned home to serve the veterans of Oklahoma,” Boren said.  “I am pleased to have the opportunity to honor his devoted service through this legislation.”

 

Montgomery was born in Long, Oklahoma and enlisted in the 45th Division Thunderbirds of the Oklahoma National Guard while attending Bacone College in Muskogee.  President Franklin Roosevelt personally awarded Montgomery the Medal of Honor, the highest honor for valor awarded to members of the Armed Forces, for his actions near Padiglione, Italy, on February 22, 1944, resulting in 11 enemy dead and the taking of 32 prisoners.  He was also was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart with Cluster and many other military honors.

 

After his discharge from the Armed Forces in March 1953, Montgomery returned to work for the Veteran’s Administration in Muskogee.  Even after his retirement, he volunteered at the Muskogee VA Medical Center, where he worked more than 750 hours driving a shuttle to transport veterans from the parking lot to the hospital.  Montgomery died on June 11, 2002 at the age of 84.

 

H.R. 3829 now advances to the U.S. Senate, where Senator Tom Coburn has introduced companion legislation.

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