David Thomas Montgomery

David Thomas Montgomery, 90, of Petersburg and formerly of Springfield died January 15, 2008, at Memorial Medical Center. He was born April 27, 1917, north of Petersburg to William and Ella Richards Montgomery. Surviving are his daughter, Patricia (Dan) Sturmon of Tucson, Arizona; grandsons, Jeff (Melissa) Sturmon of Romeoville, Jason Sturmon of Naperville; great granddaughters, Brianna and Casey Sturmon of Romeoville; his brothers, Raymond (Alia) and Howard Montogmery of Petersburg; Ken (Jane) Montgomery of Macomb; sister Mary Ella Allen of Petersburg; and many nieces and nephews. His parents, his wife Mary Jane, one son Howard William Montgomery, one brother Paul Montgomery, and one sister, Margaret Bergen, preceded him in death. Mr. Montgomery, a World War II veteran, was a U.S. Navy Radioman with the PBY Squadron in Pearl Harbor on duty on Ford Island between an air landing strip and battleship row when the first Japanese planes attacked on December 7, 1941. Mr. Montgomery sent the famous first message given to him by his Commander that told the nation of the attack. The message said, “AIR RAID, PEARL HARBOR, THIS IS NO DRILL.” During World War II, Mr. Montgomery was stationed throughout the world. He repaired telephones on ships and stations in Naples, Italy, and was involved in the battle for Monte Cassino. He was discharged from the U.S. Navy in July 1947 after ten years of service to his nation. In November 1963, Mr. Montgomery founded the Illinois Chapter of Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and was appointed the Illinois State Chairman in 1964. He remained active in the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association until his death and recently received and award from the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs for his service. Mr. Montgomery retired in June 1973 in Springfield as District Storage Supervisor for U.S. Department of Agriculture. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 18, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Central Presbyterian Church in Petersburg. Rev. Julie Peterson will be officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Central Presbyterian Church or to the Menard County Rescue Squad.

David Thomas Montgomery

April 27, 1917 - January 15, 2008

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