[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 106 (Tuesday, July 30, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7571-S7572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING MR. JOHN M. McGEE

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I rise today to pay proper tribute to Mr. 
John M. McGee, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather as well as a 
memorable American patriot. John was born in Brookhaven, MS on 
September 16, 1933, and in February 23, 2002, John passed away as a 
result of a sudden heart attack. In his high-school years, John was 
blessed with speed and athleticism that contributed to his becoming an 
extraordinary football player and an excellent athlete. John's 
athleticism led him to set the state record in the 100-yard dash. John 
attended my alma mater, the University of Mississippi, where he played 
football for the Ole Miss Rebels. John's patriotism towards his country 
convinced him to interrupt his education at Ole Miss and enlist with 
the U.S. Navy where he served on the destroyer tender Shenandoah and 
the destroyer Willard Keith. During his duty in active service, John 
took part in the decisive Inchon invasion commanded by General Douglas 
McArthur.
  John went on to earn his bachelor's degree in engineering from the 
Armed Forces Institute. After an honorable discharge, he pursued his 
career in engineering until 1966 when he accepted a job with the 
Department of Defense where he conducted operations in Vietnam, 
Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand until 1969. During John's service in 
Vietnam, he discovered and exposed extensive corruption in American 
military operations. The Governmental Accounting Office confirmed these 
allegations, and John's discovery revealed the theft of 5.5 million 
gallons of fuel that had been originally intended for U.S. Military 
forces but had been penetrated and used by the enemy. John's inquiry 
helped save the lives of many

[[Page S7572]]

Americans. His discovery ultimately led to a Senate Sub-Committee 
chaired by the Honorable Senator William Proxmire of Wisconsin to 
investigate the scandal. This incident is memorialized in the U.S. 
Congressional Record and in the books Report from Wasteland- America's 
Military Industrial Complex, by Senator William Proxmire and The 
Pentagonists, by A. Earnest Fitzgerald.
  Our hearts are saddened with the loss of such a precious man, but at 
the same time we are grateful for his contributions to our country, the 
state of Mississippi, and his family. I know my colleagues will join me 
in honoring and appreciating the remarkable life of Mr. John M. McGee.

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