For Immediate Release:
Friday, May 26, 2006

WASHINGTON D.C. - Legislation introduced by Congressman Dan Boren and Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma as the Jack C. Montgomery Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center has cleared its final hurdle in Congress.  The bill unanimously passed the Senate today after receiving House approval May 9.  Montgomery, a World War II veteran and former VA employee, will be recognized for his years of outstanding service by having the center permanently bear his name.

 

“I’m pleased the Senate passed this bill to honor Jack C. Montgomery, a true Oklahoma hero who embodied the American spirit of service, honor and sacrifice,” Dr. Coburn said. “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.  We are truly thankful to veterans like Mr. Montgomery for protecting our freedoms.”

 

“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,” Boren said.  “I am pleased we were able to honor his devoted service to his state, country and fellow veterans 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.

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