[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 101 (Thursday, July 1, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN MEMORIAL OF VETERAN JAMES DANIEL ``J.D.'' LANCASTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 1, 2010

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
veteran James Daniel ``J.D.'' Lancaster, who passed away at the age of 
90 on Friday, June 25, 2010. In his passing, I lost a friend, and North 
Carolina lost one of its most outstanding citizens; a man whose bravery 
and valor won't soon be forgotten.
  J.D. Lancaster, son of the late Reverend W.H. and Lena Lancaster, 
grew up in Selma, NC and always kept the church close to his heart. His 
father, a Baptist preacher, introduced him to the church as a young boy 
and he continued his devout commitment to the Baptist church throughout 
his life.
  J.D. was a veteran of United States Navy and served in World War II. 
Before his passing, J.D. was one of only 21 living survivors of the 
attack on the USS Arizona on December 7, 1941 and the only living 
survivor from our great state of North Carolina. During the attack, 
J.D. was blown off the deck of the ship, but he swam through the oil-
filled waters to eventually rescue ten of his fellow shipmates.
  This would not be the only time J.D. survived a sinking ship in WWII. 
He survived another attack aboard LTS 342, while transporting troops 
from Guadalcanal to the island of Munda. Later in the war, J.D. managed 
to escape death a third time aboard a transport plane that crashed. His 
untiring dedication to his country and his outstanding bravery are 
apparent. He is a shining example of the devotion and allegiance that 
members of our armed forces show our nation every day. He was the 
recipient of numerous awards for his military service, including the 
Purple Heart.
  J.D. Lancaster was active in his community, boasting membership at 
the VFW, American Legion, Loyal Order of the Moose, and Lanwood Chapel 
FWB Church. Those who knew J.D. well know he always had a smile on his 
face and a positive word to share. He will be remembered for his 
unwavering devotion to his family, his church and his country.
  He is survived by his wife Dorothy Lancaster; daughters Carol 
Lancaster of Goldsboro, Beth Sitts, and her husband Justin of Pine 
Level, and Danielle Lancaster of Selma; son Jay Lancaster of Selma; and 
granddaughters, Jenna and Katelyn.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing 
one of our nation's true military heroes, J.D. Lancaster. He was a 
respected veteran, a dedicated family man, and a great North 
Carolinian. I am pleased to rise to honor him and his family today.

                          ____________________