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
