Bill Text: IL HJR0086 | 2009-2010 | 96th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Directs the Illinois Department of Transportation to erect an appropriate plaque or sign at the Illinois rest area on Route 33 near Palestine honoring Sammy L. Davis, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, for his heroism during the Vietnam War.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 4-0)

Status: (Passed) 2010-05-05 - Adopted Both Houses [HJR0086 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2009-HJR0086-Introduced.html

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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

HJ0086 - 2 - LRB096 17709 KXB 35134 r
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

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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.