[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 79 (Monday, June 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1090-E1091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JAKE FANNON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 2, 2003

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jake Fannon 
posthumously for his military accomplishments and years of service to 
our country. He fought in both World War II and the Korean War, and 
over came the countless injuries to continue his service.
  In 1941, Jake enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and 
began his basic infantry training at Camp Roberts in California. He was 
assigned to the 813th combat engineers in Alaska where he was wounded 
in duty. He was a part of the `C' Company 15th Regiment 1st Infantry 
Division and was injured during the first wave of the Normandy Invasion 
(D-Day). Later that year he joined the 78th Infantry Division in 
Germany where he served in combat until the end of the war. One year 
later, Jake was sent overseas to Australia as part of the 572nd 
Military Police, afterwards going to Korea. He then served at Fort 
Benning, Georgia as a paratrooper. After recovering from injuries 
sustained during one of his jumps, he was sent to the front lines in 
Korea and was hit on the third day causing

[[Page E1091]]

severe facial injuries. Jake continued his service in Germany and 
several areas in the U.S. before retiring in 1963.
  Jake has received countless awards and honors for his steadfast 
service including: two Bronze Stars, four Purple Hearts, and a Silver 
Star. Following his service in Korea he was presented with the 
Congressional Medal of Honor in 1950, and yet refused the award, 
wishing to return to the lines with his men rather than become an 
officer. He subsequently received a Bronze Star and his fourth Purple 
Heart in its place.
  He is survived by his wife Lela Fannon; his sons Tommy, Timmy, David, 
and Steve; and his 13 grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jake Fannon for his 
exceptional service to our country and his efforts around the world. I 
invite my colleagues to join me in commending Jake for an exceptional 
career and for his everlasting contributions.

                          ____________________