House Resolution 156

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE COURAGE AND BRAVERY OF SERGEANT PERNELLUS TURNER AND COMMENDING HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II ON BEHALF OF THIS GREAT NATION.

WHEREAS, Sergeant Pernellus Turner distinguished himself as a fearless combatant in the United States Army when he nobly put his life on the line to protect the freedoms of all Americans during World War II; and

WHEREAS, after the relations between the United States and the hostile Axis Powers had diminished and caused Lady Liberty to engage the extremist regime in World War II, Mr. Turner joined an elite fraternity of soldiers in the United States Army and was sworn in on August 23, 1940; and

WHEREAS, after he was sworn in, Mr. Turner's military occupation specialty was motor transportation, as he was one of the few African-American soldiers that had a driver's license; and WHEREAS, never wavering in valor, strength and prowess, Mr. Turner was stationed in England and had two tours in France, and during the war, he transported Army vehicles from England to France, as he was in charge of picking up vehicles and delivering them where needed; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Turner remained a steadfast and brave soldier for the United States of America, and because of his unparalleled bravery and patriotism, he attained the rank of Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, after helping facilitate victory for the United States in World War II, the heroic veteran shifted from an invaluable soldier to a priceless contributor in his community, as Sergeant Turner was honorably discharged on April 6, 1945; and

WHEREAS, some gave all in World War II, the ultimate price to pay in order to protect the American way of life, and Sergeant Pernellus Turner stood through for the red, white and blue, as his unflinching courage and gallant sacrifice reflected lasting glory upon himself and upheld the noble traditions of the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor heroic Mississippians such as Sergeant Pernellus Turner for his dauntless fortitude and his remarkable dedication to the United States of America and to the people of the State of Mississippi, who are eternally appreciative, for without him, 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 Sergeant Pernellus Turner and commend his distinguished service during World War II on behalf of this great nation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Sergeant Pernellus Turner and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.