House Resolution 90

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING MR. CHARLES DEWITT WILLIAMS ON HIS SERVICE TO THIS COUNTRY AND FOR BEING THE LAST SURVIVING PRISONER OF WAR IN NEWTON COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Mr. Charles D. Williams is the last surviving prisoner of war (POW) from World War II residing in Newton County, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, born on February 2, 1918, Mr. Williams, along with several siblings, was reared with love by his parents, the late James Worth Williams and Lula Annie Williams; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Williams grew up in Little Rock, Mississippi, and graduated in 1935 from Beulah Hubbard High School; and

WHEREAS, after high school, Mr. Williams served in the United States Army from March 7, 1936, until March 6, 1939, where his salary was $30.00 per month after being promoted to Private First Class and becoming a 6th Class Specialist; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Williams bravely decided to enlist again in the Army in November 1942, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and he became a member of the 413th Infantry Regiment L Company, 104th Infantry Division (Timberwolves); and

WHEREAS, Mr. Williams valiantly served in Northern France, Belgium and Holland before being captured on November 23, 1944, in Germany, and he was held in the following war camps for 155 days in Germany: Stalag 12A in Limburg, Stalag 3A in Lukenwall, Stalag 3B in Furstenburg and Stalag 483C in Ludwigfield; and

WHEREAS, despite the harshness of being held as a POW, Mr. Williams bravely survived his imprisonment and was released on April 26, 1945, and returned to the United States; and

WHEREAS, after returning to the United States, Mr. Williams experienced the joy of seeing his lovely wife, Katherine Marjoree, and, for the first time, their nine-month-old daughter, Sammie Kate, and afterwards, Mr. Williams was discharged on November 7, 1945, as a Master Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being discharged as a Master Sergeant, Mr. Williams was awarded the following: the Good Conduct Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Theater of Operations Medal with two Bronze Stars; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize heroic Mississippians such as Mr. Charles D. Williams who willingly served this country to protect this great nation and to help spread peace across the world:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend the service of Mr. Charles D. Williams, who is the last surviving POW of World War II from Newton County, Mississippi, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Charles D. Williams and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.