A true American hero passed away this week. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery served his nation in uniform and in the United States Congress with the kind of distinction and patriotism that seems sadly lacking today. A veteran of the Second World War and the Korean War, Montgomery retired from the Mississippi National Guard in 1980 as a Major General. A conservative Democratic, he ably represented not only his Mississippi congressional district, but all men and women in uniform as well. He was a champion of the troops and many important pieces of legislation benefiting veterans bear his mark and in some cases his name.
He attended Mississippi State, was president of the student body, and was well on his way to certain success and prosperity as one of Mississippi's rising stars. But, in January of 1943, just a few months shy of graduation, he voluntarily left school and went to war. He had every reason in the world not to volunteer for combat in Europe, and two reasons to go: his love of his country and his sense of duty to his nation. This man was a hero in every sense of the word.
His voting record in the House of Representatives would make Nancy Pelosi look down her partisan probiscus in demagogic disdain. He and fellow "Boll Wevil" conservative Democrats teamed with Ronald Reagan and helped restore America to greatness. Would that we had some like him in the House today; men and women who would put the good of the nation ahead of what is good for their party.
General, Congressman, Mississippian; this Marine salutes you and laments your passing.
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