VIDEO: Sen. Moran Pays Tribute to the Life of Kansas WWII Veteran Horace “Jim” Sharp

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) today spoke on the Senate floor to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Kansan Horace "Jim" Sharp, of Morris County, a World War II veteran who passed away at the age of 101.

"Jim was an authentic American hero," said Sen. Moran. "Sometimes I think we look for heroes, and we can't seem to find them. We do not have to look past Jim Sharp. He was a hero to his nation, to his community, to his family and his friends. May Jim's legacy not be forgotten, his service honored, and we say to him in these days, thank you for your service. We respect you, and we are grateful."

Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran's Full Remarks

Sen. Moran's Full Remarks as Delivered:<_o3a_p>

"Mr. President, I rise today to honor the passing of a 101-year-old Kansan, World War II veteran and American hero, Horace 'Jim' Sharp.

"Mr. Sharp was born in Morris County, Kansas, and he spent his early years tending to the family farm - not an unusual thing in Kansas, and certainly not in his generation. At 19, Jim surrendered his farm deferment, courageously volunteering to serve his nation in the United States Army during World War II.

"Through his service, Jim fought in the Battle of the Bulge as part of Company B, 18th Infantry Regiment, First Infantry Division. It was during that battle that Jim earned three battle stars and a Bronze Star. Although injured by shrapnel during the battle, Jim never received treatment, thus never receiving the Purple Heart.

"Following Jim's combat service, he served as a guard during the Nuremberg trials, and shortly after returning home to Kansas following the war's end, Jim would marry his wife, Marilyn, with whom he would raise their three children and enjoy 69 years of marriage.

"Following the passage of the G.I. Bill, Jim attended Kansas State University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Jim then applied his degree by building a career in data processing, eventually retiring as the information systems manager for the Kansas Farm Bureau, while also teaching information systems classes at Kansas State University and at Fort Riley.

"Jim's life of service continued well after his time in the military. His dedication to his faith and his community showed itself in so many ways.

"Jim was an active member at his local Methodist Church. His accolades also include being a founding member and the first president of the Northeast Kansas Battle of the Bulge organization, where he raised funds to support the preservation of the Manhattan, Kansas, Peace Memorial Auditorium and K-State World War II Memorial. Jim's World War II service is also featured at Fort Riley's First Infantry Division Museum, honoring his story and his service in the Nuremberg exhibit there.

"Jim was an active member of the Kiwanis, his local VFW and American Legion, and many other local organizations improving his community and aiding those in need.

"Living to be 101 is remarkable in and of itself, but Jim used that life - that long life that he was given - to accomplish so much more. His life of courage, sacrifice and compassion served as an inspiration to all who knew him, and he is being dearly, dearly missed.

"My prayers and concerns, care, are with his children, Janet, Doug and Brian; his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren - the entire Sharp family.

"It was my honor to see them as we celebrated Jim's 100th birthday at the American Legion in Manhattan, Kansas, now just about a year ago.

"Jim was an authentic American hero. Sometimes I think we look for heroes, and we can't seem to find them. We do not have to look past Jim Sharp. He was a hero to his nation, to his community, to his family and his friends.

"May Jim's legacy not be forgotten, his service honored, and we say to him in these days, thank you for your service. We respect you, and we are grateful."<_o3a_p>

# # #<_o3a_p>