House Concurrent Resolution 82

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MILITARY AND CIVILIAN SERVICE OF PETER MICHAEL PELLEGRINI, SR., AND CONGRATULATING HIM FOR HIS RECEIPT OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL FOR HEROIC COMBAT ACTIONS IN WORLD WAR II.

WHEREAS, Peter Michael Pellegrini, Sr., a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, was born on April 25, 1921, and graduated from Alcee Fortier High School, where he was a member of the track team and school band; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Pellegrini dutifully joined the United States Navy immediately after graduating from Tulane University in 1942, with a degree in business administration; and

WHEREAS, while in the United States Navy, Mr. Pellegrini enhanced his education by attending Officer's Training School at Northwestern University in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, while serving in the European Theater, Mr. Pellegrini was a participant in our country's toughest assignments, and instead of turning from danger, he consistently demonstrated his personal courage and selfless service to his nation; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Pellegrini was stationed aboard the USS McCall and the USS Heywood L. Edwards naval destroyers and participated in the campaigns of Guadalcanal, Saipan, Tinian, Leate, Surigao Straight, Lingayen Gulf, Iwo Jima and Okinawa during World War II; and

WHEREAS, for his distinguished service in the United States Navy, Mr. Pellegrini was decorated with the Bronze Star with Combat "V" and the Navy Unit Commendation, which is one of the military's highest awards for the skill and courage under fire he bravely displayed during World War II; and

WHEREAS, the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Armed Forces of the United States and receiving imminent danger pay, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service in connection with military operations against an armed enemy or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with opposing armed forces; and

WHEREAS, throughout his time in the Navy, Mr. Pellegrini distinguished himself by exceptional meritorious service, along with his diligent work ethic and profound knowledge of combat operations that provided the United States with a leader of the highest caliber; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Pellegrini's steadfast commitment to our country and courageous actions were nothing short of heroic and are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service; and

WHEREAS, after completion of his stellar military career, Mr. Pellegrini began his civilian life by returning to New Orleans, where he met his lovely wife of 62 years, Frances Marie Spedale, and they had three children; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Pellegrini's first job as a civilian was in sales with a large retail hardware business, a position he held until he and his wife began their own business, Pellegrini's Corsets and Surgical Supplies, which they owned and successfully operated for over 15 years and during this time he became a certified orthotic fitter; and

WHEREAS, in the early 1980s, Mr. Pellegrini and his family retired to Diamondhead, Mississippi, and quickly became active members in the community by joining Annunciation Catholic Church and the Annunciation Men's Club and by serving on the Diamondhead Golf Tournament Committee, as Chairman of the 55 Alive Campaign and as Chaplain for the Diamondhead VFW Post 2880; and

WHEREAS, having lost a home in Diamondhead to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and his wife to cancer in 2009, Mr. Pellegrini, a man of strong faith, has not allowed these significant life-changing events to diminish his zeal for serving others; and

WHEREAS, at the age of 88, Mr. Pellegrini is still residing in Diamondhead with his daughter, Ann, and continues to support his community by being an active member of the Diamondhead VFW and Annunciation Parish Men's Club; and

WHEREAS, living life to the fullest while not allowing age to get in the way, Mr. Pellegrini is an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast, enjoys traveling and drives himself as he attends to his day-to-day errands; and

WHEREAS, the success of the State of Mississippi, the strength of our communities, and the overall vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of people like Mr. Pellegrini, truly the epitome of the Greatest Generation, who has used his considerable talents and resources to serve others throughout his entire life:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the military and civilian service of Peter Michael Pellegrini, Sr., and congratulate him for his receipt of the Bronze Star Medal for heroic combat actions in World War II and extend warmest wishes for many more years of good health, peace and happiness.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Peter Michael Pellegrini, Sr., VFW Post 2880 and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.