When Arkansas veteran John "Ray" Lemons celebrated his centennial early last month, 3rd District U.S. Rep. Steve Womack stopped by Primrose Retirement Community in Rogers to wish him a happy 100th birthday. Before leaving, the Republican from Rogers also presented the former prisoner of war with a commemorative medallion featuring the U.S. House seal and the congressman's signature.
As a flight engineer and gunner with the U.S. Army Air Forces, Lemons was stationed in England during World War II.
On Sept. 27, 1944, while flying a mission over Nazi-occupied Europe, his plane, the King Kong, was shot down. Captured by the Germans, he was held prisoner until U.S. forces liberated his camp in April 1945.
Womack, a retired colonel who served 30 years in the Arkansas Army National Guard, returned later in the month to drop off a letter from President Donald Trump congratulating Lemons on reaching the century mark.
It thanked Lemons for his "dedicated service to our country during World War II."
"Your American century is a proud part of our country's remarkable story. We send our best wishes as you celebrate this tremendous milestone," the letter stated.
After KFSM-TV news featured the story, the White House Facebook page posted a link to it.
As of Friday, it had received more than 5,200 likes.