H.R. No. 1780
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The valiant Americans who fought for this country
during the crucial years of World War II are deserving of the
highest respect, and Juan Provencio of El Paso was among those who
endured the grim dangers of war to preserve his nation's freedom;
and
WHEREAS, Though scenes of the destructive reality of war
remain etched in his memory, Mr. Provencio may take great pride in
his contributions and those of fellow aviators who flew in the
legendary B-17 bomber; he recorded 25 combat missions in Europe
during World War II as a pilot or copilot aboard the "Flying
Fortress"; and
WHEREAS, At 88 years of age, Mr. Provencio recalls momentous
wartime aviation events with 38 former military and commercial
airline pilots in the Maj. Gen. Franklin A. Nichols Flight 24
Daedalians, a national fraternity of aviators that honors the
legacy of the nation's first and subsequent pilots who flew in its
defense; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Provencio flew aircraft with the Eighth Air
Force in England, including major bombing operations over Berlin;
he was privileged to be acquainted with many historic and prominent
military figures of World War II, like General James H. "Jimmy"
Doolittle, who led the first carrier-based bomber attack on
mainland Japan in 1942; he was an aide to General Curtis E. LeMay,
who is credited with developing key defensive formations used by
B-l7s during missions over occupied Europe; and
WHEREAS, Growing up in El Paso's Sunset Heights, Mr.
Provencio has deep roots in his West Texas community; he retired
from the military in 1972 after a distinguished 30-year career and
returned to his West Side home; and
WHEREAS, Juan Provencio performed his duty with honor when
the fate of freedom was in the balance, and his personal heroism and
sacrifice during the dark days of war were instrumental in
defending liberty and securing peace; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commend Juan Provencio for his courageous
service to his country during World War II and extend to him sincere
best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Provencio as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Marquez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1780 was adopted by the House on May
11, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House