[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 56 (Monday, April 7, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E531-E532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          JACK COTTON TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2014

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to rise today in 
recognition of Dr. Jack ``Doc'' Cotton, who bravely fought in World War 
II in the Navy on a supply ship, a hospital ship, and eventually on a 
troop transport ship, the USS Buckingham.
   In 1943, Dr. Cotton received a draft notice, but under naval medical 
requirements, he was three inches too tall. Unwavering in his 
determination to serve, he subtly hunched over during his evaluation so 
he would be eligible to serve. While many, if not most, would have 
tried to escape the draft, Dr. Cotton did whatever he could to serve.
   The Buckingham, on which Dr. Cotton served, transported troops 
throughout the South Pacific, and in fact carried the final transport 
of forces to Nagasaki, Japan, a crucial factor in our victory in the 
Second World War.
   Though it was an obstacle to his naval service, his height would 
become an invaluable asset during his college basketball career. So 
valuable, in fact, that Dr. Cotton became an NBA player with the Denver 
Nuggets from 1948 to 1950. Always dedicated to service, he went on to 
serve as a coach, professor, and athletic director at Adams State 
University.
   Mr. Speaker, it is a distinct privilege to recognize Dr. Jack 
``Doc'' Cotton for his service to our country and his communities. I 
congratulate him on a long and successful career and thank him for the 
many sacrifices he made to preserve our freedom.

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