[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 71 (Friday, April 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE SERVICE OF WORLD WAR II VETERAN, JOHN DANIEL HARMON, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DUNCAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 29, 2022

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Daniel Harmon, 
Sr., a 102-year-old World War II veteran from Saluda, South Carolina.
  Mr. Harmon was born in 1919 in Saluda County on a small farm. Growing 
up during the Great Depression, Mr. Harmon learned the value of 
community, hard work, and being resourceful throughout his life. Mr. 
Harmon attended Hickory Grove School and was in the first class to 
graduate from the Hollywood School in 1937.
  After finishing school, Mr. Harmon joined the Civilian Conservation 
Corps and worked several jobs before joining the U.S. Army during WWII. 
He served a tour of duty with Company B, 363rd Medical Battalion, 63rd 
Infantry Division as an ambulance driver. His division was among the 
first to cross the Siegfried Line. Mr. Harmon still remembers many of 
the battles he endured during his tour, and he is always willing to 
share his experiences of the Army.
  For his service, he received several recognitions including the 
American Theater Ribbon, the European and Middle Eastern Campaign Medal 
with Two Battle Stars for Rhineland and Central Europe, the Combat 
Medical Badge, a Bronze Star, and the French Legion of Honor Medal.
  After the war, Mr. Harmon returned to his hometown of Saluda where he 
eventually retired as a Superintendent with Eagle Construction Company. 
Mr. Harmon and his wife, Grace Gentry spent seventy years married and 
saw the growth of their family with five children, nine grandchildren, 
and eleven great-grandchildren with who Mr. Harmon has celebrated many 
birthdays and holidays. He continues to be an active member of his 
church, Bethany United Methodist Church. Mr. Harmon still leads a 
highly active life, and he has not lost his wit, knowledge, or cheerful 
outlook. Mr. Harmon recently celebrated his 102nd birthday, making him 
among the oldest surviving World War II veterans in South Carolina.
  The United States is blessed to have the finest troops and veterans 
in the history of the world, where so many heroes like Mr. Harmon are 
willing to put on our country's uniform in defense of our freedoms. I 
am confident that Mr. Harmon's lifetime of service to his country and 
community will continue to inspire many.
  Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to be able to serve the Third 
District of South Carolina and to honor those who have dedicated their 
lives to protecting America's freedoms.

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