The U.S. House on Tuesday unanimously approved an honorary promotion for former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army.
The bill passed the House and Senate and will go to the president for his signature.
Dole, 95, served in the U.S. Senate from 1969 to 1996, and in the U.S. House from 1961 to 1969. He was the Republican nominee for president in 1996. He was the vice presidential nominee in 1976. A native of Russell Kansas, he enrolled at the University of Kansas, and in 1942 registered for the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps. He was called to active duty the next year and served in World War II.
Dole was an infantry lieutenant in World War II. He was severely wounded in combat and received two Purple Hearts and two Wars of the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for valor. He also received the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
“I’m glad Senator Bob Dole is one step closer to receiving the honorary military promotion he has earned, during his lifetime of service to our great nation,” Sen. Pat Roberts said. “Sen. Dole is Kansas’ favorite son and an American hero.”
“I was so proud to see the House quickly recognize and pass this bill honoring our legendary Kansas Senator, Bob Dole,” Rep. Roger Marshall said. “There is no one I can think of more deserving of this honorary promotion than our true Kansas hero, Senator Dole.”
“From Senator Bob Dole’s time in the military and in Congress, to his continued leadership on veterans, hunger and disability issues, he is a true model of public service for Kansans and all Americans,” Sen. Jerry Moran said. “It is only fitting that Senator Dole be promoted for his exemplary service and sacrifice as an Army officer and I am so pleased that this resolution is headed to the president’s desk for signature.”
In January, Rep. Marshall introduced this bill in the House as a companion bill to the Senate legislation sponsored by Sens. Roberts and Moran.
This legislation to grant an honorary military promotion for Sen. Dole was supported by the entire Kansas delegation.
“Senator Dole is one of Kansas’ favorite sons and a national icon who well deserves this promotion,” Rep. Ron Estes said. “In addition to his admirable public service in Congress and tireless advocacy for veterans, Dole’s heroic actions in World War II continue to inspire Kansans and generations of Americans around the country. I’m proud to join the Kansas delegation in supporting this promotion.”
“Bob Dole is the definition of a statesman and a patriot. There is no one more deserving of this honor,” Rep. Steve Watkins said.
“Senator Bob Dole is a decorated military veteran, dedicated public servant, and proud Kansan,” Rep. Sharice Davids said. “He made a significant impact on not only the state of Kansas, but the entire country, and he is more than deserving of this honorary promotion for his decades of service to our nation.”