[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 149 (Thursday, October 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              A TRIBUTE TO JOHN T. MOONEY ON HIS BIRTHDAY

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                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 30, 1997

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a very good 
friend from Chicago, IL, who is celebrating a special birthday on 
November 2.
  Mr. John T. Mooney has lived a remarkable and fulfilling life. He 
served admirably as a soldier during World War II in the 2d Armored 
Cavalry Division and was part of the wave of brave Allied soldiers that 
participated in the successful invasion of Normandy. For the injuries 
he sustained during the treacherous and fierce fighting at Normandy, 
Mr. Mooney was awarded the Purple Heart. He was also awarded three 
overseas service bars, the American Campaign Medal, the European-
African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with one silver star, the Good Conduct 
Medal, and World War II Medal for his participation in three other 
campaigns. Recently, Mr. Mooney and thousands of his comrades have been 
honored by the Regional Council of Normandy with the Jubile de la 
Liberte Medal, a decoration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 
Battle of Normandy.
  In addition to his patriotic service during World War II, Mr. Mooney 
has spent his entire life working to make his community a better place 
to live. He worked as a glazier in the private sector for 20 years and 
another 15 years in the same capacity with the Chicago Park District. 
Mr. Mooney first became involved in local politics as a precinct 
captain. In my capacity as an alderman and the committeeman of the 23d 
ward, he has assisted me as a district leader, community leader, and 
later as deputy committeeman of the 23d Ward Democratic Organization. 
When I first entered Congress, Mr. Mooney served as my administrative 
assistant and then my chief of staff. I was fortunate to have him 
assist me in opening a district office, setting up a Washington office, 
and assembling a staff. As an original member of my staff, I will be 
forever thankful for his hard work, dedication, and integrity. Today, 
Mr. Mooney remains an important part of the success of the 23d ward 
Democratic Organization by serving as its treasurer.
  Most importantly, John Mooney is a dedicated family man and 
churchgoer. He was married to the late Gladyce for 47 fulfilling years. 
They have one daughter, Pamela, and a son-in-law, Tim Dryden. Mr. 
Mooney also extends his time and assistance to the various endeavors of 
St. Daniel the Prophet Catholic Church. Mr. Mooney and his family have 
been life-long residents of the southwest side of Chicago.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute John Mooney for a truly remarkable life. I 
congratulate him on achieving this great milestone, and I extend to him 
my best wishes for many more healthy and happy years to be shared by 
his family and friends. He has a spirit that will never grow old. May 
this special day remain with him throughout the coming year.

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