[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 196 (Wednesday, November 29, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING SGT. J.J. CORBETT'S 101ST BIRTHDAY AND SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT FRANKLIN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 29, 2023

  Mr. SCOTT FRANKLIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish a 
happy birthday to Bartow resident, Sgt. Jordan Jerome ``J.J.'' Corbett, 
who celebrated his 101st birthday on November 25th. Sgt. Corbett has 
earned many accolades throughout his storied life, including WWII hero, 
educator, championship coach and civil rights trailblazer.
  Sgt. Corbett served during WWII as one of the U.S. Army's first black 
paratroopers. He first volunteered to train with the all-white 82nd 
Airborne Division and was part of the formation of the 555th Parachute 
Infantry Battalion. The 555th was nicknamed the ``Triple Nickles''--one 
of the few all-black units with black officers. Today, Sgt. Corbett is 
the last surviving member of the ``Triple Nickles,'' which was assigned 
to one of the most dangerous operations to save lives from the 
aftermath of a clandestine Japanese balloon attack in the Western 
United States.
  Today, he is a retired schoolteacher, Bank Director for Citrus & 
Chemical Bank, two-time Florida Track Coach of the Year, member of the 
Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame and member of the 
Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Sgt. Corbett a 
happy 101st birthday. On behalf of the 18th District of Florida, we 
thank him for his service and sacrifice for our nation and his 
steadfast dedication to our community.

                          ____________________