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[Page H190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AMERICAN HERO, JOHN ``JACK'' FRANCIS HANNIGAN
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Flores) for 5 minutes.
Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember an American hero
from this country's Greatest Generation. John ``Jack'' Francis Hannigan
was born March 27, 1918 to Frank Hannigan and Elsie Sternweiss Hannigan
in New York City. He attended parochial school throughout his life,
obtaining a college degree and a law degree from St. John's University
in New York. Through his beloved sister Myrtle, he met the love of his
life, Marion Josephine Ronayne, and he also fell in love with her large
and caring Irish family. They were married on May 2, 1942 at Maxwell
Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, thus beginning a union that
lasted 67 years.
Jack was a navigator and a lawyer in the United States Army Air
Corps, serving during World War II in the European theater of
operations. As part of the 397th bomb group, also known as the Bridge
Busters, he flew 70 combat missions in a B-26 Marauder, including three
over Normandy Beach on D-Day. He earned a Purple Heart during his
wartime service. In 1948, his commission as a JAG officer was
transferred to the newly created United States Air Force.
Jack's and his wife's military service spanned 30 years, living in
Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, New York, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Arizona, Germany, Virginia, the
Philippine Islands, Massachusetts, Maryland, and, of course, Texas.
Throughout his service, he was awarded many medals of commendation,
including the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service
Medal, the Air Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Army
Commendation Ribbon. Upon retirement, Colonel Hannigan received the
Distinguished Service Medal in 1971 at Randolph Air Force Base in
Texas. The Hannigans retired to Allen, Texas, and were active
parishioners at St. Jude's Catholic Church. While there, he volunteered
his legal services and his wife's typing to many church members.
Jack and Marion raised a large Irish Catholic family with six
children. While the family is spread across the country, the love that
Jack and Marion held for them is a bond that will forever unite the
Hannigan clan. Jack is survived by his children, John F. Hannigan, Jr.,
United States Air Force retired colonel of Colorado; Mary Gadow of
Arizona; Barbara Clark of Massachusetts; Joan Johnston of
Massachusetts; Dr. Jim Hannigan of Austin, Texas; Kathy Havel of
Dallas, Texas; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He will
also be remembered for his quick wit, practical jokes, skill with
crossword puzzles, love of sports--especially golf--and yes, his ``yes
dears'' to his wife, Marion.
This Friday, on February 3, 2012, a memorial service will be held at
Arlington National Cemetery to honor his and his wife's life of service
to our country.
Mr. Speaker, the service of Mr. and Mrs. Hannigan to our country will
never be forgotten. They serve as examples for our current generations
of Americans to emulate. God bless their service, and God bless the
United States of America.
____________________
