[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 12, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E825-E826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




REMEMBER AND HONOR LIEUTENANT COLONEL FRANK H. SIMONDS, SR., USMC (RET)

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 2004

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to remember and honor a 
loyal patriot, neighbor, and friend. Lieutenant Colonel Frank H. 
Simonds, Sr., USMC (Ret), of Oakton, Virginia. Following a lifetime of 
dedication and service to his family and our nation, LtCol Simonds 
passed away on March 31, 2004, at the age of 85.
  Frank was born October 1, 1918, in Sparta, Illinois. His parents, 
Thomas and Zuma Etta Simonds, owned and operated a grocery store while 
raising a family of six boys and two girls.
  Frank attended Sparta Township High School and, in 1941, graduated 
from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of 
Science degree in Physical Education.
  In August of that same year, he joined the United States Marine 
Corps. While in service, he flew the SBD, SB2C, F4U, F7F-3N, and the 
F9F-8P. Stationed in the Pacific Theater during World War II, he flew 
out of such places as Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and Munda while 
serving with VMSBs-144/454.
  Mr. Speaker, Frank also served in the Korean War with VMF (N)'s-531/
513. After the war, he flew VMCJ-3 in the late 1950's. He had over 
5,000 flight hours and was the Commanding Officer of VMF (N)-513, VMCJ-
3, MCAS-4 and MWSG-27. For his remarkable service to the United States, 
he received the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with Gold Star, 
and Air Medal with four gold stars before he retired from the Marine 
Corps in December 1966.
  Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, Frank began a career with 
Control Data Corporation, where he worked from 1966 until his 
retirement in 1988. At the time of his retirement, he was the Eastern 
and Southeastern Regional Administration Manager and had enjoyed a 22-
year career with the corporation.
  He is survived by his lovely wife, Bobbie; his son, Lt. Col. Frank H. 
Simonds, Jr., USMC; his daughter, Kelley Simonds Hardison; his 
grandchildren, Michael, Lindsey and Hayley Hardison; his brother, 
Robert J. Simonds; and his sister, Millicent Simonds Bates.
  Mr. Speaker, on a personal note, my family had the great opportunity 
of becoming acquainted with Frank and Bobbie when we moved to Oakton 
several years ago. More than just neighbors, they became very close 
friends. In fact, they even took on a role like unto family, and 
seemingly helped raise our son and daughter. For the blessing of having 
them come into our lives, we shall always be grateful.
  Today, I join with Frank H. Simonds, Sr.'s family, friends, and 
community to commemorate his life of hard work, good citizenship, and

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family commitment. As his friend and neighbor, I will miss him. Yet, I 
am confident that Frank today is happy where he is, waiting for the 
eventual return of his loved ones.

                          ____________________