GENERAL JOHN VESSEY, AN AMERICAN HERO

U.S. Army General John W. Vessey Jr. passed away recently at age 94.  A World War II veteran, who rose from the rank of private to four-star general and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff under President Ronald Reagan, General Vessey served for 46 years on active duty, a record for longest military service when he retired in 1985. He saw combat duty during World War II when he earned a battlefield commission as a second lieutenant and in South Vietnam when he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the army's second highest award for bravery.

He is especially and gratefully remembered by the POW/MIA community for his service as a presidential envoy following his retirement working to resolve the fate of the POWs and MIAs from the Vietnam War.

Thank you, General, for your service to America.  Rest in Peace, Sir.