House Concurrent Resolution 46

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION HONORING AND COMMENDING MR. JOHN D. ROBERTS UPON RECEIVING THE LEGION OF HONOR FOR HIS VALIANT AND HEROIC SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II.

WHEREAS, the Consul General of France in Atlanta, Georgia, recognized World War II veteran, Mr. John D. Roberts with the Legion of Honor, France's highest merit, during a ceremony on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the Magnolia Civic Center, in New Albany, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Legion of Honor is bestowed upon French citizens, as well as foreign nationals, who have served France or the ideals it upholds, including veterans such as Americans who risked their lives during World War II as they fought on French soil; and

WHEREAS, President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, designates the recipients of the Legion of Honor, and Mr. Roberts was recognized and presented with the honor by the Consul General of France in Atlanta, Anne-Laure Desjonqueres; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Roberts embarked on his military journey on July 15, 1943, at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, undergoing basic training at Camp McCain, and was subsequently stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia, and as he crossed the Atlantic Ocean aboard the General Brooks troop transport ship, he was assigned to Company B, 117th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Roberts landed in Normandy, France, six days after D-Day, and the division engaged in relentless combat with German forces, navigating from the East bank of the Vire River through France into Germany, notably facing intense battles in Mortain, France; and

WHEREAS, on October 3, 1944, during an operation near the Rhine River, Mr. Roberts sustained injuries from a German mortar round and a rifle round while positioned on a railroad track, and he demonstrated unwavering courage; and

WHEREAS, following his extraordinary service, Mr. Roberts received an honorable discharge on November 6, 1945, marking the conclusion of his valiant contribution to the war effort; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his service, Mr. Roberts was awarded the World War ll Victory Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Bronze Star, the WWII Honorable Service Button, the Distinguished Unit Badge, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, some of the best-known American recipients of the Legion of Honor include General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Josephine Baker; and

WHEREAS, some gave the ultimate price in order to protect the American way of life, and Mr. Roberts certainly distinguished himself as a fearless hero, as his unflinching courage, unparalleled bravery and gallant sacrifice reflects lasting honor, as he nobly put his life on the line to protect the freedoms of all Americans during World War II; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to honor heroic Mississippians such as Mr. Roberts for his dauntless fortitude and 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, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby honor and commend Mr. John D. Roberts upon receiving the Legion of Honor for his valiant and heroic service during World War II.

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