[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 31, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             AMERICAN HERO, JOHN ``JACK'' FRANCIS HANNIGAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Flores) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember an American hero 
from this country's Greatest Generation. John ``Jack'' Francis Hannigan 
was born March 27, 1918 to Frank Hannigan and Elsie Sternweiss Hannigan 
in New York City. He attended parochial school throughout his life, 
obtaining a college degree and a law degree from St. John's University 
in New York. Through his beloved sister Myrtle, he met the love of his 
life, Marion Josephine Ronayne, and he also fell in love with her large 
and caring Irish family. They were married on May 2, 1942 at Maxwell 
Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, thus beginning a union that 
lasted 67 years.
  Jack was a navigator and a lawyer in the United States Army Air 
Corps, serving during World War II in the European theater of 
operations. As part of the 397th bomb group, also known as the Bridge 
Busters, he flew 70 combat missions in a B-26 Marauder, including three 
over Normandy Beach on D-Day. He earned a Purple Heart during his 
wartime service. In 1948, his commission as a JAG officer was 
transferred to the newly created United States Air Force.
  Jack's and his wife's military service spanned 30 years, living in 
Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, New York, New 
Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Arizona, Germany, Virginia, the 
Philippine Islands, Massachusetts, Maryland, and, of course, Texas. 
Throughout his service, he was awarded many medals of commendation, 
including the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service 
Medal, the Air Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Army 
Commendation Ribbon. Upon retirement, Colonel Hannigan received the 
Distinguished Service Medal in 1971 at Randolph Air Force Base in 
Texas. The Hannigans retired to Allen, Texas, and were active 
parishioners at St. Jude's Catholic Church. While there, he volunteered 
his legal services and his wife's typing to many church members.
  Jack and Marion raised a large Irish Catholic family with six 
children. While the family is spread across the country, the love that 
Jack and Marion held for them is a bond that will forever unite the 
Hannigan clan. Jack is survived by his children, John F. Hannigan, Jr., 
United States Air Force retired colonel of Colorado; Mary Gadow of 
Arizona; Barbara Clark of Massachusetts; Joan Johnston of 
Massachusetts; Dr. Jim Hannigan of Austin, Texas; Kathy Havel of 
Dallas, Texas; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He will 
also be remembered for his quick wit, practical jokes, skill with 
crossword puzzles, love of sports--especially golf--and yes, his ``yes 
dears'' to his wife, Marion.
  This Friday, on February 3, 2012, a memorial service will be held at 
Arlington National Cemetery to honor his and his wife's life of service 
to our country.
  Mr. Speaker, the service of Mr. and Mrs. Hannigan to our country will 
never be forgotten. They serve as examples for our current generations 
of Americans to emulate. God bless their service, and God bless the 
United States of America.

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