[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 16, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN MEMORY OF BUFORD E. THURMON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 1997

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great regret that I rise to 
inform the Members of the House of the passing away of Buford E. 
Thurmon, former mayor of Higginsville, MO, on September 10, 1997.
  Mr. Thurmon was a decorated veteran of World War II, having served in 
the U.S. Marine Corps from November 1940 to April 1946. In May, 1942, 
Mr. Thurmon was captured and taken prisoner of war during the battle of 
Corregidor. In recognition for Mr. Thurmon's valor, he received various 
ribbons and medals, including the Asiatic Pacific Service Ribbon, 
Purple Heart Medal, U.S. Presidential Unit Citation with two stars, 
Philippine Defense Medal with one battle star, Philippine Presidential 
Citation, Bronze Star Medal, China Defense Medal, Prisoner of War 
Medal, and U.S. Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.
  Buford Thurmon was also an important governmental leader in 
Higginsville, MO. He twice served as mayor of the community from 1968 
to 1972 and again from 1982 to 1985, and was also elected city 
collector, city treasurer, and city councilman. While serving the 
people of Higginsville, Mr. Thurmon also devoted his time to various 
civic and veterans organizations. He was commander of the American 
Legion Post, treasurer of the C-1 School District, president of 
Higginsville Country Club, lifetime member of the American Legion, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Blinded Veterans Association, American Ex-
Prisoners of War, and American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Am 
Vets.
  Buford E. Thurmon served the United States of America as few men 
have. His great contributions to our country deserve our praise and 
admiration, and he will long be remembered for his patriotic life and 
commitment to public service. He truly is a role model to young civic 
leaders.
  Mr. Thurmon was preceded in death by his wife, and is survived by 
three sons, two sisters, and seven grandchildren. I am certain that the 
Members of the House will join me in honoring this American who will be 
missed by all who knew him.

                          ____________________