ENROLLED
2020 Second Extraordinary Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 8
BY REPRESENTATIVE THOMPSON
A RESOLUTION
To commend John Benjamin "JB" Humphrey on his one hundredth birthday.
WHEREAS, it is most fitting to recognize Mr. John Benjamin "JB" Humphrey, a
World War II veteran and true witness to history, on his one hundredth birthday and to
commend him for becoming a member of the exclusive club of Louisiana centenarians; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Humphrey was born on October 7, 1920, in Beekman, Louisiana,
to Chester and Emma Humphrey; he graduated from Bastrop High School in 1938 and
enrolled in trade school; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Humphrey married the former Bonnie Williams on February 7,
1941; soon thereafter the two welcomed their first son, Phillip; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Humphrey enlisted in the U.S. military forces fighting overseas
during World War II; he served as a member of the United States Army Air Force; Mr.
Humphrey received basic training at Selman Army Airfield in Monroe, Louisiana, before
he was transferred to Gulfport, Mississippi, then to Columbus, Ohio, and then Sebring,
Florida; he was trained as a crew member for B-17 and B-26 bombers before shipping out
to Europe; and
WHEREAS, while overseas, Mr. Humphrey flew twenty missions from England to
Germany and twelve missions from France to Germany; on his thirty-second mission, just
three missions away from completing his service, his plane was shot down, and he suffered
a broken back; amazingly, he and his entire crew survived and were able to reach friendly
territory in Belgium; Mr. Humphrey had achieved the rank of sergeant before his injuries
earned him an honorable discharge; and
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WHEREAS, after completing his service, Mr. Humphrey returned and found work
at the mill in Bastrop; after the birth of his second son, Johnny, he began work as a postal
carrier in Delhi and held that position for the next twenty-seven years; throughout his long
life, Mr. Humphrey has seen great loss, including the death of his beloved wife, Bonnie;
however, he is known by all those around him as a quick-witted man with a remarkably
vibrant spirit, a sharp mind, and a smile on his face; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Humphrey currently resides at the Northeast Louisiana War
Veterans Home; his incredible bravery during World War II earned him numerous medals,
including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Silver Star; JB Humphrey is truly a
remarkable man and is certainly worthy of the highest recognition.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend John Benjamin "JB" Humphrey on his one
hundredth birthday; does hereby thank Mr. Humphrey for his amazing bravery and military
service during World War II; and does hereby extend sincere hopes and wishes that he
continue to enjoy good health and prosperity for many years to come.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Lisa
Trussell.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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