[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 63 (Monday, April 21, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S3204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RETIREMENT OF JOHN DRUMMOND

 Mr. GRAHAM. Madam President, today I ask the Senate to join me 
in recognizing State Senator John W. Drummond on the occasion of his 
retirement from the South Carolina State Senate. As a decorated 
military hero, a successful businessman, and a respected public figure, 
Senator Drummond has left an indelible mark on the Palmetto State. He 
is a true public servant, guided not by desire for recognition but by 
the desire to achieve great good for the state he serves.
  Born in Greenwood, SC, John Drummond was the fourth of Jim and Fannie 
Drummond's seven children. His father worked for the Greenwood Cotton 
Mill for many years before moving his family to a new mill village in 
Ninety Six, where he excelled in academics and athletics. Eager to 
expand his horizons, he seized the opportunity to serve in the military 
by joining the 263rd South Carolina Coast Artillery Regiment based in 
Charleston.
  Senator Drummond distinguished himself in his training and landed a 
post as a bomber-fighter pilot in the 405th Fighter Group. The group 
reported for duty in the European theater of the war in March 1944. In 
his initial months of service, Drummond provided air interdiction and 
close air support, including involvement in a successful attack on a SS 
mess hall identified by information from the French Resistance.
  After attaining the rank of captain, Drummond led his squadron while 
providing air coverage for the Allied armada from German artillery 
positions on D-day and for ground troops in the months that followed.
  On July 29, 1944, Drummond's plane was downed by antiaircraft fire. 
He was badly injured after parachuting out at a low level and was 
captured by Germans and imprisoned for 10 months in a POW camp in 
Barth, Germany.
  Finally freed by the Russian army after V-E Day, Drummond's valor 
earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Purple Hearts, nine Air 
Medals, three Battle Stars, and a Presidential Citation.
  Following a jubilant homecoming, Drummond gradually transitioned to 
civilian life, marrying a hometown girl, Holly Self, and starting his 
young family which eventually included three sons.
  After inheriting the Greenwood Petroleum Company, his aptitude for 
business led him to the establishment of the Drummond Oil Company. 
Senator Drummond still serves as president of both of these successful 
enterprises.
  Senator Drummond and his wife, fondly known as ``Ms. Holly,'' have 
long played a leading role in the civic affairs of Greenwood County and 
the town of Ninety Six. Both were devoted church members, and Ms. Holly 
is remembered for her dedication to the missions of the Ninety-Six 
Baptist Church as well as for her role as an enthusiastic advocate of 
town preservation.
  Interested in the economic prosperity of Greenwood, Senator Drummond 
devoted his considerable talents as a respected business leader to the 
issues of business development and rural electrification affecting its 
citizens.
  After serving 2 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives, 
Senator Drummond campaigned and won a seat in the State Senate, a 
position he has held for over forty years.
  The longest serving State Senator in South Carolina history, his time 
in the legislature will be remembered for his ability to forge 
relationships across racial, gender, and political lines, and his 
sincere desire to provide excellent representation and service for the 
people of Greenwood County.
  He has been widely described as a statesman, a position that is 
reflected by his current position as the senate's President Pro Tempore 
Emeritus.
  As further proof of his remarkable leadership, he has been honored by 
the establishment of the Drummond Center, an institute at Erskine 
College dedicated to promoting civil discourse across party lines for 
the benefit of all South Carolinians.
  Throughout his career, he has been the recipient of countless 
legislative achievement and appreciation awards from a wide range of 
groups and individuals, including the Order of the Palmetto, the 
highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor.
  John Drummond has served his State and Nation. His legacy is one of 
unparalleled commitment to his fellow citizens, and his influence will 
be felt for many years to come.
  I thank him sincerely for his service and leadership and wish him the 
very best in his retirement. I ask that the Senate join me in honoring 
my friend, Senator John W. Drummond.

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