MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2002 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative McCoy

House Concurrent Resolution 84

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING WILLIAM ANDREW CANNON FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY, BOTH DURING WORLD WAR II AND IN CIVILIAN SERVICE THEREAFTER.

     WHEREAS, William Andrew Cannon, longtime resident of  Mississippi, was born on August 25, 1920, in Sweeny, Texas, moving to Corinth, Mississippi, at the age of two; and

     WHEREAS, after graduating from Corinth in 1938, Mr. Cannon attended Western Kentucky University School of Business in Bowling Green, Kentucky, from 1938 to 1941; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Cannon, in 1941, after completing his studies in Bowling Green, became a managing partner of the Van Bibber Lumber Plant situated in Fulton, Mississippi, before joining the United States Air Force to serve in World War II; and

     WHEREAS, during the service to his nation, Mr. Cannon, a pilot with the 463rd Bombardment Group, served as 1st Lieutenant while stationed in Foggia, Italy, from 1943 to 1946; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Cannon, along with the personnel of the 463rd Bombardment Group, exhibited commendable efficiency in skill, devotion, courage and determination while facing intense enemy opposition, flying gallantly through in wing formation to reach their designated target; and

     WHEREAS, receiving a honorable discharge as 1st Lieutenant in May 1946, Mr. Cannon received a Second War Department Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in military operation against the enemy; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Cannon, upon being discharged in 1946, returned to the Van Bibber Lumber Plant in Fulton serving as a partner until 1954 before joining the Department of Defense in 1955, working as Maintenance Control Engineer for Public Works at the Naval Support Facility until 1983; and

     WHEREAS, in 1983, Mr. Cannon joined the Naval Communications Mediterranean as Facility Manager, retiring from that post on March 31, 1990; and

     WHEREAS, having received numerous awards for active service, Mr. Cannon, at the time of his retirement received the Department of Navy's Meritorious Award for Civilian Service and a commendation certificate for 38 years of devoted service to the United States government; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Cannon's patriotic leadership, work ethic, congenial nature, constructive attitude, dedication to his country, and his forthright manner has made a positive impact on all those who have had the pleasure of knowing him; and

     WHEREAS, having retired to Booneville, Mississippi, where he has been an avid golfer, Mr. Cannon has been loved and motivated by a supportive family, which consists of:  his loving wife, Lucy de Forcade Cannon; his son, Fred; his daughter, Tina Jennie; and his six grandchildren, Carlo, Crystel, Francesco, Elena, Lauren and Guglielimo; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence in outstanding citizens such as Mr. Cannon, whose patriotic fervency and love for this nation have been exhibited through his distinguished service to the United States during World War II:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Mr. William Andrew Cannon for the meritorious service he provided this nation during World War II and his civilian service thereafter.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. William Andrew Cannon and the members of the Capitol Press Corps.