The publication is reproduced in full below:
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF IRVIN ADAIR, JR.
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HON. DOUG LAMBORN
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Irvin Adair's 100th birthday. Mr. Adair is a dedicated father, grandfather, WWII veteran, and former public servant for the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
On September 3, 1922, Irvin was born in a small farmhouse near El Dorado, Kansas. Mr. Adair has lived a full life dedicated to his country and family. Irwin had seven siblings, four younger brothers and three sisters.
When World War II began, Irvin was only sixteen years old, but when he was old enough to enlist, he did so. He was sworn into the United States Navy on December 7, 1942, on the USS Oregon in Portland, Oregon--one year after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Irvin served on two destroyers during his service--the USS Frankford and the USS Uhlmann. The USS Frankford escorted supply ships from the Brooklyn Navy Yard to Casa Blanca, Africa.
Seaman 1st Class Adair proudly served on the USS Uhlmann, a ship with extensive combat engagement during WWII. Irvin and his fellow sailors provided aircraft carrier support for air strikes in many Pacific Theater battles, including the Battle of Iwo Jima. In addition, they participated in the Okinawa, Leyte Gulf, Western Carolines, Lueon, and Japan operations. When WWII ended, the USS Uhlmann docked at Tokyo Bay, Japan, next to the USS Missouri, where the Empire of Japan signed the official Instrument of Surrender to the Allied forces. Irvin could see the military dignitaries on the bow of the USS Missouri from where he stood on the USS Uhlmann.
For his steadfast dedication and service, Irvin received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars, and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal with six stars. Irvin's combat experience can only be described in volumes as he bravely fought in most of the WWII Pacific Theater Sea battles.
After being Honorably Discharged from the US Navy, civilian life began for Irvin. In 1948, he started working for the City of Colorado Springs as the Supervisor of the Peterson Airport Service Facility. During this time, he was lucky to meet and marry Ms. Barbara Campbell in September 1952. Barbara was a wonderful wife (of 66 years), mother, and grandmother until her passing in January 2017. Together, they have three children: Cathy, David, and Judy. Their legacy continues with six grandchildren. Irvin retired in 1980 after 32 years of dedicated service to the City of Colorado Springs.
Today, Irvin continues to enjoy life in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His life may seem simple, but that is undoubtedly the Lord's gift for his heroism and the sacrifices he made during his service in WWII.
Mr. Adair remains connected with fellow service members as he is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.
I wish Mr. Adair a very happy 100th birthday and thank him for his service to our great Nation. May he celebrate many more.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 140(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 140(2)
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