Arlen Specter: “in honor of their reunion to be held this month, I am pleased to call the Senate's attention to honor the crew of U.S.S.…”

“in honor of their reunion to be held this month, I am pleased to call the Senate's attention to honor the crew of U.S.S. J. William Ditter who served during World War II. I commend the dedication and courage of that crew of the minelayer named in honor of former Pennsylvania Congressman J. William Ditter. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 5, 1888, J. William Ditter received his law degree from Temple University in 1913 and was admitted to the bar the same year. As a school teacher and baseball coach at Northeast High School from 1912 until 1925, one of Coach Ditter's team members was Jimmy Dykes, who later went on to become Connie Mack's star third baseman during the Philadelphia Athletics' glory years in the nineteen-thirties. Less famous, but equally important were the hundreds of young men and women who studied at Northeast High under 'Doc' Ditter's tutelage. They constantly sought his advice and retained their affection for him in the years that followed. In 1925, Mr. Ditter moved to Montgomery County, where he practiced law and became an active member of his church and community. In 1932, Montgomery County was made a separate Congressional district and Mr. Ditter was elected to serve as its first Representative. As a member of the House of Representatives, he quickly became known for his tireless work, dedication to our country, and consummate skill in debate.”