H.R. No. 397 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Former U.S. Army lieutenant Ross Novelli Sr. of Galveston has received the French Legion of Honor in recognition of his meritorious service in France during World War II; and WHEREAS, A graduate of Texas A&M University, Lieutenant Novelli came ashore at Normandy with the 915th Field Artillery Battalion of the 90th Infantry Division on the day after D-Day, 1944; and WHEREAS, From that moment until the end of the war, Lieutenant Novelli fought his way across Europe with his unit, earning a Silver Star and helping to liberate France from years of oppression and violence; and WHEREAS, Now living in retirement in Galveston with his wife, Pat, Mr. Novelli remains proud of his military service, hosting an informal gathering of World War II veterans every week at his home in Colony Park; and WHEREAS, Ross Novelli endured the immeasurable hardships of war with bravery and tenacity, and through his service he helped to preserve the flame of liberty for millions of people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Ross Novelli Sr. on his receipt of the Legion of Honor and extend to him sincere appreciation for his selfless and heroic efforts during a time of enormous peril; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Novelli as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Faircloth ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 397 was adopted by the House on February 19, 2015, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House