HR1567 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1567 LRB095 22757 GRL 53182 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to thank Donald Futymoski for his dedicated service to his nation in the battle of Iwo Jima during World War II; and

WHEREAS, The battle of Iwo Jima began on February 19, 1945 as a push into one of Japan's final strongholds in the Pacific region; the U.S. invasion began with a Marine force of over 30,000 soldiers, with 40,000 more Marines following throughout the battle; by the battle's end, the U.S. Marines suffered 27,909 casualties, with 6,825 Marines killed during the assault; of the 21,000 Japanese embedded at Iwo Jima, only 297 were still living by the battle's end; and

WHEREAS, Donald Futymoski entered active service with the U.S. Marine Corps on December 22, 1943; after training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, he was assigned to the Headquarters Company of the 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines of the 5th Marine Division for training at Camp Tarawa, Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, Donald Futymoski and his battalion landed on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, with the third wave during D-Day; during the course of the battle, he was slightly wounded in his ankle but refused medical attention; and

WHEREAS, After leaving Iwo Jima at the battle's end, Donald Futymoski returned to Camp Tarawa; he then participated in the occupation of the Japanese mainland from November 30, 1945 until June 14, 1946, when he returned to the United States; on February 9, 1947, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal; and

WHEREAS, After his honorable discharge, Donald Futymoski worked for a construction company and a sprinkler company; he also served with the Aurora Fire Department for over 22 years; and

WHEREAS, Donald Futymoski is a member of numerous organizations, including the Marine Corps League (Fox Valley Detachment 1233), the Phoenix Club in Aurora, the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Montgomery, the American Legion in Sugar Grove, and the Moose in St. Charles; and

WHEREAS, Donald Futymoski and his wife of 55 years, Margaret, have two children, William and Scott, and two grandchildren, Jennifer and Heather; and

WHEREAS, Donald Futymoski's great courage and devotion to his country are worthy of the greatest respect; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we thank Donald Futymoski for his dedicated service to his nation in the battle of Iwo Jima during World War II and wish him the best in his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Donald Futymoski as a symbol of our esteem and respect.