HJ0086 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0086 LRB096 17709 KXB 35134 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to the truly great individuals who served our country and in doing so have gone above and beyond the call of duty to take part in truly heroic tasks; and

WHEREAS, Of the millions of men and women who have served this country, whether in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, only 3,447 have ever been awarded the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government, the Congressional Medal of Honor; and

WHEREAS, The Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of one's life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against any enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party; and

WHEREAS, It is beyond honor for an individual to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, distinguishing this individual as a true American hero; and

WHEREAS, Sammy L. Davis, born in Dayton, Ohio, on November 1st, 1946, and who resided in Illinois for many years, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service and conduct in Vietnam during the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, Sammy L. Davis was a private first class in the United States Army, Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 4th Artillery, 94th Infantry Division, at the time of his action which awarded him the Congressional Medal of Honor, leading to his promotion to Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, Sammy L. Davis was awarded the Congressional Medal for his actions on November 18th, 1967, when his unit came under enemy fire; injured, Private Davis risked his life to fight off the enemy, and under heavy fire managed to fire rounds from a burning howitzer on his own, and having pushed back the enemy, Private Davis rescued his injured combats who were no doubt alive because of his bravery; and

WHEREAS, Today, Sammy L. Davis, forced to retire from the United States Army in 1984 because of injuries, works to make sure the American message of freedom is never forgotten; visiting school children, speaking at special events, and telling his message to the countless troops that he continues to visit; and

WHEREAS, Troops stationed all over the world from wars that have passed and conflicts that are current, have written and spoken of the meaningfulness and inspiration that they have and continue to receive from meeting and speaking with Sammy L. Davis; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that an appropriate plaque or sign be placed at the Illinois rest area on Route 33 near Palestine, honoring Sammy L. Davis, his triumphs and heroism, and his dedication to the patriotic good of this country; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is directed to erect, at a suitable location at the rest area, consistent with State and federal regulations, an appropriate plaque or sign giving recognition to Sammy L Davis; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Robinson V.F.W., and to Sammy L. Davis.