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
Local News
A LIFE OF SERVICE
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In memory of those who died
A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian. -
Choctaw Expressions to be showcased
The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30. -
Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday
Residents in the Meridian area will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown or made products throughout the summer and fall through the Earth’s Bounty festival.
The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station. -
WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart
About three weeks before the end of WW I, two young officers with the 320 Machine Gun Battalion crept through the battered moonscape of France on a mission to find new positions for their weapons.
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Man dies of gunshot wound
Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning in which one person died.
- Marriages & Divorces: Sunday, May 27, 2012
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Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising
If local advertising agency Leading Edges has its way, pretty soon you will be using your iPhone or iPad to bring its clients' ads to life.
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Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart
- Partnership in place for safety blitz
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Keeping time with the Disabled American Veterans
When you are responsible for transporting area veterans to Jackson to meet their medical appointments, you better be on time.
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