[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 102 (Thursday, June 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN PLAYTER'S SERVICE AS A WORLD WAR II VETERAN AND 
                                  POW

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2008

  Mr. BLUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and say thank you to 
a true American hero--and Missouri native. John Playter might not be a 
household name for many, but his service to our country during World 
War II certainly earns him a leading role in America's Greatest 
Generation.
  Mr. Playter was called to duty in 1941 and served as an artillery 
officer before being taken prisoner with thousands of other U.S. 
servicemen after the fall of Bataan. His story of survival--through 
death marches and labor camps--in the Philippine jungles as an American 
soldier and a prisoner of war is extraordinary and nothing short of 
inspiring.
  After more than two years in Japanese captivity, Mr. Playter regained 
his freedom only after the Japanese prisoner ship Shinyo Maru sank 
while transporting 730 Americans. Again defying the odds, John was one 
of only 83 survivors to be rescued by an American submarine.
  When returning to Missouri, Mr. Playter met a young woman named 
Charlene at the O'Reilly General Hospital in Springfield where he 
recovered from injuries sustained during his captivity. John married 
Charlene and spent the next 38 years of his life with her at his side.
  Staying true to his roots, Mr. Playter worked 25 years as the city 
engineer for the City of Bolivar. And, along the way, published his 
memoir, Survivor. His personal telling of this powerful story describes 
the service, faith and triumph of John and his brave colleagues.
  The Bolivar Rotary Club will honor Mr. Playter for his service to his 
country, community and more than 50 years of service as a Rotarian this 
4th of July when they name a three-acre park in his honor during their 
annual ``Celebration of Freedom.'' John's life is an inspiration to 
everyone and one that deserves this long overdue honor. I'd like to 
publicly thank Mr. Playter for his dedicated service to his Nation and 
community.

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