[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14953]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



        RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF COLONEL M.B. ETHEREDGE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM TURNER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 30, 1999

  Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great American, a 
wonderful patriot and fellow Texan, Colonel M.B. Etheredge, who after 
more than 80 years of dedicated service to his community, to the State 
of Texas and to this entire Nation, will be honored by his friends and 
family members at the Family Faith Church in Huntsville, TX, on Sunday, 
July 4, 1999.
  Born in Weldon, TX, Mr. Etheredge graduated from Huntsville High 
School in 1933. Four years later, he received a bachelor of Arts Degree 
from Sam Houston Teacher's College, where he was an active member of 
the Student Council, Captain of the Track Team and President of his 
Senior Class.
  Following graduation from Sam Houston, he taught in Sugar Land from 
1937 to 1941 and then went on to serve as Brazoria County's 
Superintendent of Schools. In the summer of 1942, Mr. Etheredge 
enlisted in the United States Army and spent the next four years in 
Africa, Italy and France. Amazingly, but not surprising to those who 
knew him, he earned two battlefield promotions and was advanced in rank 
from second lieutenant to captain in only 6 days. For his dedication 
and commitment, he has been awarded three Silver Star medals for 
gallantry in action, two Bronze Star medals for heroism and two Purple 
Heart medals, making him one of the most decorated heroes of World War 
II. He was mustered out of the Army with the highest efficiency index 
of any officer in the Fourth Army Area and now carries the high honor 
of colonel (Retired) of the United States Army.
  After world War II, Mr. Etheredge completed his Master of Arts Degree 
at Sam Houston Teachers College in 1947. He received a Peabody 
Scholarship and did postgraduate work at the University of Texas in 
Austin. Lieutenant Colonel Etheredge was elected to three terms in the 
Texas House of Representatives, where he served as Chairman of the 
Education Committee. He also served two terms as a board member of the 
Huntsville Chamber of Commerce, is a past President of the Huntsville 
Rotary Club, taught at Sam Houston State University as a Associate 
Professor of Education, and chartered the American Bank of Huntsville 
and the Lake Area Bank of Trinity, where he served as Chairman of the 
Board.
  Mr. Etheredge has made a positive impact on the lives of many 
Americans and personifies the definition of a true and loyal American 
who sets the standard for all citizens to live by. He is an outstanding 
example to his family and friends, and has been an asset to the many 
communities, states and nations that he has touched over the years.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere gratitude and the utmost respect that 
I rise today to ask that you join me and our colleagues in recognizing 
the selfless service of Colonel M.B. Etheredge and in saluting the 
honor and dedication of all American servicemen and women on July 4th, 
the birthday of our Nation.

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