Bill Text: MS SC628 | 2014 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Paying tribute to the historic World War II military career of PFC Herschell Wilbanks of Walnut, Mississippi.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2014-03-31 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC628 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2014-SC628-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Parks, Browning, Butler (38th), Chassaniol, Fillingane, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Lee, Parker, Stone, Wilemon
Senate Concurrent Resolution 628
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HISTORIC WORLD WAR II MILITARY CAREER OF PRIVATE FIRST CLASS HERSCHELL L. WILBANKS OF WALNUT, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, PFC Herschell L. Wilbanks from Walnut, Mississippi, served a remarkable tour of duty during World War II attached to General Patton's 3rd Army Corps at the Battle of the Bulge and Bastogne; and
WHEREAS, he was born on October 23, 1923. His official military service date was January 6, 1944, until November 17, 1945, and he was assigned to the 35th Infantry Division attached to General Patton's 3rd Army Corps; and
WHEREAS, his battle campaigns included action in Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, Ardennes and Battle of the Bulge; and
WHEREAS, he was a Rifleman and a foot soldier during World War II. He was trained at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey; boarded the "Queen Mary" and sailed to England; boarded a ship to Omaha Beach; boarded trucks and was carried to the front line at the Moselle River, crossed it going into battle; fought going into France, Germany, Belgium, Holland and fighting through the "Battle of the Bulge" and Bastogne; and he lost his hearing at Jolly Court, France, from a gunshot wound in his left cheek; and
WHEREAS, Wilbanks received the following awards: the E.A.M.E. (European, African, Middle Eastern) Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, two Purple Hearts, Combat Infantry Badge, American Theater Ribbon, French Legion of Honor (France's highest honor), St. Maurice Award, and Centurion Award; and
WHEREAS, following World War II, he was a USDA Field Inspector and worked in the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service Office for 20-plus years; served on the Alcorn County School Board for 12 years; and farmed and raised cattle; and
WHEREAS, on May 21, 2013, PFC Wilbanks was appointed a "Chevalier" of the Legion of Honor. This Award testifies to French President Hollande's highest esteem for his merits and accomplishments. In particular, it is a sign of France's infinite gratitude and appreciation for his personal and precious contribution to the United States' decisive role in the liberation of France during World War II. The Legion of Honor was created by Napoleon in 1802 to acknowledge services rendered to France by persons of exceptional merit; and
WHEREAS, PFC Herschell Wilbanks, thank you for your service:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we take pride in the fact that a man of such character, ability and attainment as Private First Class Herschell Wilbanks is numbered as one of our most loyal citizens in war and peace and we pay tribute to him for his service to his country and state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to PFC Wilbanks and his family, forwarded to the Alcorn VFW Chapter and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
