[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING MR. HARLEY COON OF BEAVERCREEK, OHIO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID L. HOBSON

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2003

  Mr. HOBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Harley Coon 
who resides in Beavercreek in the 7th Congressional District. I have 
had the honor of meeting Harley at different community events over the 
years, and it is very appropriate that he was honored today on Capitol 
Hill by the Korean War Veterans' Association on the 50th anniversary of 
the armistice that ended the Korean War.
  At the age of 19, Harley Coon was captured on Nov. 17, 1950 while 
serving with the 25th Infantry Division in Korea. Over the next three 
years Mr. Coon suffered greatly as a prisoner of war from hunger, 
exposure, and brutal conditions in the various prison camps where he 
was detained.
  On Aug. 31, 1953, Harley Coon was released to U.S. Forces after 33 
months and four days of imprisonment. After the war, Coon became a 
successful businessman, never forgetting how lucky he was to be around 
to enjoy his freedom.
  Coon was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame for all his, 
commitment and caring in Ohio. He continues to travel nationally and 
internationally as the National President of the Korean War Veterans 
Association.
  Harley received the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal with 10 
battle stars, the U.N. Service Medal and the Presidential Unit 
Citation.
  As the Congressman who represents Beavercreek in the U.S. House of 
Representatives, I offer my sincere congratulations to Harley Coon for 
this public recognition of his service to our country.

                          ____________________