[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 95 (Tuesday, June 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF EDWARD PETER LEO McMAHON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 23, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Edward Peter Leo McMahon, Jr. who shared his life and talents with the 
American people through his long and successful career as both a 
fighter pilot for the United States Marine Corps and an iconic 
entertainer.
  Ed McMahon was born in Detroit, Michigan. After spending his summers 
as a teen announcing bingo for carnivals, he attended Boston College. 
An electrical engineering student, McMahon enrolled in the Navy's V-5 
training program. In 1944 McMahon earned his wings and served in World 
War II as an instructor and test pilot. He returned to Catholic 
University of America and earned a Bachelor's of Art in 1949. After a 
brief stint in broadcasting McMahon was called to duty during the 
Korean War and subsequently won six air medals.
  Upon completing his military duty, McMahon returned to television as 
the announcer for the game show Who Do You Trust? Four years later 
McMahon began his infamous role as the announcer for The Tonight Show 
with Johnny Carson. McMahon became a television and entertainment icon 
during his thirty year tenure with the show and had independently 
become a star on his own over the decades. He became the host of Star 
Search in 1983; the advertising voice of countless products and was 
featured in numerous films and television series.
  In addition to his roles as actor, announcer and promoter, McMahon 
was active in various charities. He made frequent appearances with 
Jerry Lewis on the Muscular Dystrophy Association annual telethon, 
served on the board of the Marine Corps Scholarship Fund, and also 
supported the United Negro College Fund.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring and 
remembering the long and successful life of Ed McMahon. I offer my 
deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and friends. He was 
truly dedicated to the American people; serving them through his 
service in the military as well as entertaining them for decades. His 
life and laughter will surely be missed and cherished for years to 
come.

                          ____________________