[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 3, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO DR. CHARLES JOSEPH ZERZAN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2008

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Madam Speaker. I rise today to note the passing 
of a true American hero and fellow Oregonian, Dr. Charles Joseph 
Zerzan, Jr. Dr. Zerzan passed from this world on May 23, 2008 in the 
presence of his beloved wife and children. This man devoted his life to 
service of his family, the community and our Nation, and it is a 
singular sign of America's special blessing that individuals such as he 
have lived, enriching us all in the great enterprise of our Nation. I 
know this entire body will rise with me and give a solemn note of 
thanks to Dr. Zerzan, and our condolences to his family.
  Charles Zerzan was born on December 1, 1921 in Portland, Oregon and 
attended primary and secondary school in the Portland and Salem areas. 
At the age of sixteen his parents lied about his age so that he could 
enlist in the Oregon National Guard; three years later America entered 
World War II and Dr. Zerzan found himself a 2nd Lieutenant in an 
Airborne division commanding men several years older than he in the 
harsh jungle and mountain terrain of the China-Burma-India theatre. At 
the end of the war, by which time he had earned the rank of Captain, he 
returned home to Oregon to attend Willamette University and earned a 
Bachelor of Arts degree. He then proceeded to medical school at the 
University of Marquette, where he earned the degree of Medical Doctor 
with a specialty in internal medicine. Following medical school Dr. 
Zerzan re-enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in many prestigious 
posts. Among these were two tours in Washington at Walter Reed Army 
Hospital; Chief of Medicine at Rodriguez Army Hospital; and he served 
as U.S. Army Medical Advisor to the Jordan Arab Army. Dr. Zerzan had 
the privilege of serving as personal physician to President Dwight D. 
Eisenhower, His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal of Jordan, members of 
the U.S. Supreme Court and numerous United States Senators and 
Congressmen. During the Cuban Missile crisis Dr. Zerzan was part of the 
invasion force planning to go ashore in Cuba, in the event of a 
conflict which thankfully never came to pass.
  Dr. Zerzan was highly decorated for his service to the United States. 
Among the military honors he received are the Legion of Merit, the Army 
Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the World War II Victory 
Medal, the Pacific Theater Medal with two battle stars, the National 
Defense ribbon and the American Defense ribbon. These honors, which are 
awarded among other reasons for ``exceptionally meritorious conduct in 
the performance of outstanding services and achievements,'' are but a 
small symbol of the patriotism and devotion of Dr. Zerzan to our 
country. As is true for so many of our veterans the true worth of his 
service cannot be measured.
  Upon retirement from the Army in 1968 Dr. Zerzan returned to Oregon, 
where he served as Director of Continuing Medical Education at the 
Medical School of the University of Oregon-Portland (now known as 
Oregon Health Sciences University), and later as partner in the NW 
Permanente Clinic, Sunnyside Kaiser.
  Despite his many professional achievements Dr. Zerzan viewed his 
greatest accomplishment to be his family. It was while attending 
college at Willamette University that Dr. Zerzan met the great love of 
his life, Ms. Joan Margaret Kathan of Rogue River, Oregon. As Mrs. 
Zerzan described it, the first time they kissed her ``shoes flew off,'' 
and she knew it was true love. They married on February 7, 1948 and 
during their 60 years of marriage proceeded to have 12 children. These 
children, who live in Oregon and throughout the United States, in turn 
gave Dr. Zerzan 30 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
  The passing of Dr. Zerzan is a sad day for Oregon and all of America. 
But at the same time, it is a source of celebration for the 
accomplishment of his life's work. Dr. Zerzan was a man of courage, 
honor and great faith. As recorded in the Gospel of St. Matthew: 
``Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do 
not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where 
your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'' Dr. Zerzan's 
treasure was in his devotion to his family, his country and his work. 
He has now passed on to receive his reward, and to enjoy the treasure 
he stored up during his time on earth. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for 
joining with me and our colleagues today to celebrate Dr. Zerzan's life 
and reward.

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