Victory Day
Sylacauga, AL. - Ret. Master Sargent, John C Montgomery died Saturday, April 11, 2020 at the Coosa Valley Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dudley & Rebecca Montgomery, sons, Vern and Patrick Montgomery, siblings: Georgette, Langley, Mary Ethel, Onieca, Fanny Mae, Emily, and Junior.
Montgomery started his military career at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, MS, followed by a stint at Ft. Bragg, NC. Following basic training he served in World War II. He fought in many battles as an Army Infantry scout and sharpshooter in WWII under General Patton. He fought from France to Russia and continued to fight many other battles and assignments.
After WWII he was offered a Purple Heart but declined award saying "I lived".
The Consoler of France gave him the France Legion of Honor for being part of the US effort in WWII. He was awarded many medals from the Army and Air Force including the Oak Leak Cluster of 4 Bronze AF Longevity Service Award Ribbons, 2 Oak Leaf Silver Awards for US Army Infantry (X2) and US Air Force. Along with Oak Leaf Awards for Korean Defense, Combat Infantryman Badge, Sharpshooter Badge with Carbine Bar and WWII Honorable Mention Lapel.
After WWII, he re-enlisted in the Air Force. He also fought in European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign. Following that he was stationed and fought in Korea and then assigned to Japan.
His Service Stars include 2 Bronze Medals for the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medals, and Bronze Award for WWII Victory Medal. Service Stars also include Korean Combat Entry Badge, 2 Bronze Stars, Fighting 69th Army Infantry, Victory Medal in WWII for his service in the European Theatre.
Another accomplishment included obtaining the rank of 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner. He supported the American Legion, Wounded Warriors and is recognized at National D- Day Museum in New Orleans, LA for his heroic acts of service on June 6, 1944.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mrs. Janet Montgomery; beloved daughter, Laura Montgomery and her daughter, Eliana (Fulbright) Montgomery; and son Edward (Jeanie) Montgomery. He loved his family, friends, country and working at Farmlinks Golf course.
The family would like to extend a special Thanks to Ms. Judy Owens, the staff at Marble City Pharmacy and Dr. Pradha.
In lieu of flowers, the family requesting is each person send their favorite memory of Ret. Gen. John C Montgomery.
These Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneysmith.com or mailed to the family’s home address (1006 Dogwood Circle; Sylacauga, AL 35150) with stories of his life and legacy. His Life Stories will be cataloged in a Memory Book for his only grandchild- Ms. Eliana.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL will direct the services. A memorial service for will be at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL at a later date.
