House Resolution 95

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE COURAGE AND BRAVERY OF DONALD WOODS AND COMMENDING HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II ON BEHALF OF THIS GREAT NATION AND HIS SERVICE AS A HIGHWAY PATROLMAN FOR THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Donald Woods distinguished himself as a fearless soldier during World War II as part of the 28th Infantry from Pennsylvania in the United States Army, when he nobly put his life on the line to protect the freedoms of all Americans and rescue Western Europe from Nazi control; and

WHEREAS, in 1943, after the relations between the United States and the hostile Axis Powers diminished and caused Lady Liberty to engage the extremist regime in World War II, a young and altruistic Donald Woods joined the ranks of an elite fraternity of soldiers in the United States Army who patriotically served their country during that atrocious war; and

WHEREAS, Donald Woods was deployed to a beach on Saint Lowe, France in 1944, and for 18 grueling, tiring and excruciatingly difficult months, he drudged, stealthily maneuvered and fought his way on foot across Europe and into Germany with his brothers, all in the name of liberty and justice for all; and

WHEREAS, some gave all in World War II, the ultimate price to pay in order to protect the American way of life, and Donald stood through for the red, white and blue and lived to see another day because one of his courageous comrades, John Aaron Walker, selflessly sacrificed his own life to lay on top of Donald and shield him from hostile enemy fire on September 16, 1944, the most patriotic, noble exhibition of intrepid fortitude that a fearless combatant can display for one of his own; and

WHEREAS, while Mr. Donald Woods was injured that dreadful day in September, his wounds were allowed to heal in a German hospital, and he was able to return home to his family after the war, thanks to the bravery and self-sacrifice of a true American hero, John Aaron Walker; and

WHEREAS, after facilitating victory for the United States in World War II, the heroic veteran shifted from an invaluable soldier to a priceless contributor to his community when he joined the Mississippi Highway Patrol on August 15, 1952, and he was consumed with nothing but tenacity and gallantry as he vowed to protect the citizens of this great Magnolia State from danger and shield them from the fear of lawlessness; and

WHEREAS, "Virtute et Armis" means "by valor and arms" and dons the badge insignia of each Mississippi Highway Patrol uniform, a uniform that Mr. Woods valiantly served in until his retirement on February 1, 1980; and

WHEREAS, Donald Woods' unflinching courage and bravery reflect lasting glory upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the infantry and the military service; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor heroic Mississippians such as Donald Woods for his dauntless fortitude and his remarkable dedication to the United States of America and the people of the State of Mississippi, who are eternally appreciative, for without Donald Woods, the freedom they know and love would not be possible:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize the courage and bravery of Mr. Donald Woods and commend his distinguished service during World War II on behalf of this great nation and his service as a Highway Patrolman for the State of Mississippi.

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