86R29315 KSM-F
By: Miller H.C.R. No. 166
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, World War II lasted from 1939 until 1945, and the
United States entered the war in 1941 following the attack on Pearl
Harbor; and
WHEREAS, Over 16 million Americans served their country and
its allies over the course of the war; and
WHEREAS, The generation of men and women who served our
country in World War II has been called "the greatest generation"
for their selfless sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, The Medal of Honor is the highest military
decoration that is awarded by the United States government; and
WHEREAS, The Medal of Honor is presented by the president of
the United States, in the name of Congress; and
WHEREAS, The Medal of Honor is only conferred upon members of
the United States armed forces who distinguish themselves through
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and
beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against an enemy of
the United States, while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with
friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing
armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party;
and
WHEREAS, More than 3,400 Medals of Honor have been awarded to
our nation's bravest soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast
guardsmen since the creation of the award in 1861; and
WHEREAS, The Medal of Honor was awarded to 473 Americans
during World War II and only 4 of those 473 Americans are alive
today; and
WHEREAS, Charles H. Coolidge of Tennessee, Francis S. Currey
of New York, Robert D. Maxwell of Oregon, and Hershel W. Williams of
West Virginia all served their country with conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of life and therefore deserve the
gratitude of the American people; and
WHEREAS, The president of the United States has the sole
authority to designate a state funeral; and
WHEREAS, Historically, the president of the United States has
designated state funerals for former presidents, generals, and
other extraordinary Americans; and
WHEREAS, Designating a state funeral when the last surviving
World War II Medal of Honor recipient dies would be a wonderful way
for the American people to unite and honor all 16 million soldiers,
sailors, and airmen who served in our armed forces from 1941 to
1945; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby respectfully urge the president of the United States to
designate a state funeral for the last surviving Medal of Honor
recipient from World War II; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward official
copies of this resolution to the president of the United States.