[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 152 (Tuesday, October 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2095]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE MEMORY OF WILLIAM E. ``SONNY'' MOTTERN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVID DAVIS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 9, 2007

  Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute William E. ``Sonny'' Mottern who was a true patriot and friend 
of the First District of Tennessee. He passed away recently at the age 
of 87.
  He was born June 24, 1920 and married his high school sweetheart, 
Eulah ``Sweetie'' Shepherd on October 17, 1941. From December 1943 thru 
December 1945, ``Sonny'' served on active duty with the 15th Infantry-
3rd Division in France where he received a battle field promotion to S/
Sgt. He was captured December 19, 1944, near the Rhine River in France 
and was held in four German prisoner camps, being moved by box car and 
forced marches. He was liberated on April 29, 1945 by General George 
Patton.
  ``Sonny'' was discharged December 7, 1945 and awarded the Bronze 
Star, One Bronze Star Cluster, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, 
American European-African Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, 
Combat Infantry's Badge, Honorable Service Medal and the POW Medal. He 
was called again to serve his country as Chairman of the Carter County 
Draft Board during the Vietnam Conflict.
  On April 19, 1996 he was named by the Governor of Tennessee as a 
Colonel, Aid-DeCamp for Valor and Dedication in the Performance of his 
duties in service to the ExPOWs and all Veterans of the state of 
Tennessee. He also served on the Military and Veterans Advisory Board 
for Tennessee. On April 19, 1997 he was appointed by the Governor of 
Tennessee as Tennessee Ambassador of Goodwill. He was a National 
Service Organization Representative for the Department of Veteran 
Affairs and was currently serving as Treasurer of the Military Ex-
Prisoners of War Foundation.
  Mr. Mottern's community involvement and leadership included: Elder in 
the Brick Christian Church; member of the Chamber of Commerce; past 
Master of the Masonic Lodge, and Life Member of the VFW, DAV, Purple 
Heart, the American Legion and the American Ex-Prisoners of War. He was 
a previous owner of the Dixie Battery Company in Elizabethton and was a 
member of the Board of Directors of the Watauga Volunteer Fire 
Department.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and my fellow members to join me in honoring 
Sonny Mottern, a true servant of his country, whose commitment and 
unwavering determination continue to make a lasting impact all 
throughout East Tennessee. He will be missed greatly throughout our 
region as we have lost a true American hero.

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