[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 5] [Senate] [Pages 6438-6439] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RETIREMENT OF JOHN DRUMMOND Mr. GRAHAM. Madam President, today I ask the Senate to join me in recognizing State Senator John W. Drummond on the occasion of his retirement from the South Carolina State Senate. As a decorated military hero, a successful businessman, and a respected public figure, Senator Drummond has left an indelible mark on the Palmetto State. He is a true public servant, guided not by desire for recognition but by the desire to achieve great good for the state he serves. Born in Greenwood, SC, John Drummond was the fourth of Jim and Fannie Drummond's seven children. His father worked for the Greenwood Cotton Mill for many years before moving his family to a new mill village in Ninety Six, where he excelled in academics and athletics. Eager to expand his horizons, he seized the opportunity to serve in the military by joining the 263rd South Carolina Coast Artillery Regiment based in Charleston. Senator Drummond distinguished himself in his training and landed a post as a bomber-fighter pilot in the 405th Fighter Group. The group reported for duty in the European theater of the war in March 1944. In his initial months of service, Drummond provided air interdiction and close air support, including involvement in a successful attack on a SS mess hall identified by information from the French Resistance. After attaining the rank of captain, Drummond led his squadron while providing air coverage for the Allied armada from German artillery positions on D-day and for ground troops in the months that followed. On July 29, 1944, Drummond's plane was downed by antiaircraft fire. He was badly injured after parachuting out at a low level and was captured by Germans and imprisoned for 10 months in a POW camp in Barth, Germany. Finally freed by the Russian army after V-E Day, Drummond's valor earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Purple Hearts, nine Air Medals, three Battle Stars, and a Presidential Citation. [[Page 6439]] Following a jubilant homecoming, Drummond gradually transitioned to civilian life, marrying a hometown girl, Holly Self, and starting his young family which eventually included three sons. After inheriting the Greenwood Petroleum Company, his aptitude for business led him to the establishment of the Drummond Oil Company. Senator Drummond still serves as president of both of these successful enterprises. Senator Drummond and his wife, fondly known as ``Ms. Holly,'' have long played a leading role in the civic affairs of Greenwood County and the town of Ninety Six. Both were devoted church members, and Ms. Holly is remembered for her dedication to the missions of the Ninety-Six Baptist Church as well as for her role as an enthusiastic advocate of town preservation. Interested in the economic prosperity of Greenwood, Senator Drummond devoted his considerable talents as a respected business leader to the issues of business development and rural electrification affecting its citizens. After serving 2 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives, Senator Drummond campaigned and won a seat in the State Senate, a position he has held for over forty years. The longest serving State Senator in South Carolina history, his time in the legislature will be remembered for his ability to forge relationships across racial, gender, and political lines, and his sincere desire to provide excellent representation and service for the people of Greenwood County. He has been widely described as a statesman, a position that is reflected by his current position as the senate's President Pro Tempore Emeritus. As further proof of his remarkable leadership, he has been honored by the establishment of the Drummond Center, an institute at Erskine College dedicated to promoting civil discourse across party lines for the benefit of all South Carolinians. Throughout his career, he has been the recipient of countless legislative achievement and appreciation awards from a wide range of groups and individuals, including the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor. John Drummond has served his State and Nation. His legacy is one of unparalleled commitment to his fellow citizens, and his influence will be felt for many years to come. I thank him sincerely for his service and leadership and wish him the very best in his retirement. I ask that the Senate join me in honoring my friend, Senator John W. Drummond. ____________________