[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 116 (Friday, July 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF COLONEL FRANCIS H. DILLON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2011

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Francis H. 
Dillon, Jr., a constituent of mine from Great Falls, Virginia, for his 
31 years of service to our nation as he approaches his 90th birthday on 
September 10. I also want to call attention to the fact that his entire 
family has followed his example of service.
  Colonel Dillon served in the United States Army and began his service 
in 1943 during World War II in the 17th Airborne Division in which he 
saw combat action during the Battle of the Bulge, Operation Varsity, 
and the Allied invasion of Germany. He answered his nation's call a 
second time in 1950, recalled to active duty as an Intelligence Officer 
during the Korean War. Before retiring from the Army in 1974, he again 
served his country from 1968-1969 as he commanded the 525th Military 
Intelligence Group in Vietnam.
  In 1947, Colonel Dillon married Martha Getz and together they raised 
seven sons. Through his example of selfless service, each one of 
Colonel Dillon's seven sons served in the Armed Forces of the United 
States. Four of his sons served as career Army officers; Major Francis 
H. Dillon III (ret.) 20 years, Colonel Peter J. Dillon (ret.) 28 years, 
LTC Dan P. Dillon (ret.) 26 years and LTC James R. Dillon (ret.) 20 
years. Colonel Dillon's second son, Thomas C. Dillon, is a 1975 
graduate of the United States Naval Academy and served on active duty 
in the Navy for nine years. Two of Colonel Dillon's sons served in the 
National Guard and United States Army Reserve. Sergeant Timothy D. 
Dillon served in the Connecticut National Guard for four years and the 
youngest of the seven sons, Major Douglas M. Dillon continues to serve 
in the United States Army Reserve as a Civil Affairs Officer. Colonel 
Dillon's sons have served in numerous overseas contingency operations 
including Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Kosovo, Operation Enduring 
Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Colonel Dillon has four grandchildren who are also current members of 
Armed Forces. Captain Peter J. Dillon Jr. serves as an Army doctor and 
is currently deployed to Afghanistan. Duncan Dillon is in his third 
year at the United States Air Force Academy, Timothy Dillon Jr. is a 
Private First Class in the Idaho National Guard and enrolled in the 
University of Idaho Reserve Officer Training Course program and 
granddaughter, Julie Dillon, just entered her first year at the United 
States Military Academy at West Point.
  Two of Colonel Dillon's daughters-in-law have also served in the 
United States Army. Captain Patricia Dillon served for six years and 
LTC Maryanne Dillon (ret.) served for 20 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute Colonel Francis H. Dillon, Jr. and offer the 
appreciation of a grateful nation to him and his family for their 
dedicated service to America.

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