Published: May 12, 2006 11:41 pm      

A LIFE OF SERVICE

Here’s a look at some milestones in the life of former U.S. Rep. G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery:

Aug. 5, 1920 — Born in Meridian

January 1943 — Graduates from Mississippi State College

February 1943 — Enters Army as a private

May 1943 — Commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army’s 12th Armored Division and sees combat duty in Europe. Montgomery earns the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal of Valor, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Army

Commendation Medal and other awards. After World War II, he joins the National Guard.

1954-1968 — Operates Montgomery Insurance Agency in Meridian

November 1955 — Elected to Mississippi Senate

November 1966 — Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

1968 — Begins serving on the House Veterans Affairs Committee

October 1969 — Promoted to colonel in the Mississippi National Guard

1970 — Serves on the House Armed Services Committee and serves as chairman of the House Select Committee on U.S. Involvement in Southeast Asia

June 1974 — Promoted to brigadier general in the Mississippi National Guard

1975-1978 — Serves as chairman of the House Select Committee on Missing Persons in Southeast Asia and travels to Vietnam to seek information about missing U.S. servicemen. He also serves as chairman of the Special House Committee on Southeast Asia.

1980-1994 — Serves as chairman of the House Veteran Affairs Committee

January 1981 — Retires from the Mississippi National Guard as a major general after 35 years of service

April 1984 — Congress approves the Montgomery G.I. Bill

1990 — Leads House delegation in negotiations with North Korea to return the remains of U.S. servicemen killed during the Korean War

1995 — Receives the Defense Department Medal of Distinguished Service. He also announces he will not seek re-election in 1996.

1996 — Receives the U.S. Army Distinguished Civilian Service Award

January 1997 — Retires from the U.S. House of Representatives

2003 — His autobiography, “Sonny Montgomery: The Veteran’s Champion” is published by The University Press of Mississippi

Nov. 9, 2005 — Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bush