Bill Text: TX HCR164 | 2011-2012 | 82nd Legislature | Enrolled


Bill Title: Honoring Jean Hilfiger of Saint-Nabord, France, for his courageous actions in assisting U.S. military forces in France during World War II.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)

Status: (Passed) 2011-06-17 - Signed by the Governor [HCR164 Detail]

Download: Texas-2011-HCR164-Enrolled.html
 
 
  H.C.R. No. 164
 
 
 
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, During the epic events of World War II, a
  15-year-old French citizen named Jean Hilfiger distinguished
  himself by helping United States troops to effect a crucial
  crossing of the Moselle River as they battled against the armed
  forces of Nazi Germany; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Hilfiger grew up in a patriotic French family;
  his father fought with the French army during the war, and his
  mother helped form a maquis, a group of resistance fighters, to
  battle against the German occupation that began in 1940; and
         WHEREAS, When American forces advanced into eastern France in
  the fall of 1944, soldiers from the U.S. 36th Infantry Division
  called at Mr. Hilfiger's house and asked for a guide to take them to
  a vantage point above the Moselle to observe enemy positions along
  the opposite bank; though only a teenager, Jean Hilfiger
  volunteered for the job and successfully carried it out; afterward,
  American officers requested his assistance in finding a suitable
  place for their forces to ford the river; again, he agreed to help
  and was outfitted with a uniform and a rifle for the dangerous work
  ahead; and
         WHEREAS, Under cover of darkness, this brave young man guided
  a group of 10 soldiers through the farmlands near the river, risking
  attack from the Germans as they journeyed to the crossing point Mr.
  Hilfiger had selected; before dawn the next morning, he led the
  advance party across the river, assisting them in their efforts to
  establish a pontoon bridge to carry out their regiment's offensive;
  as daylight spread across the landscape, the group came under enemy
  machine gun fire and shelling, and he helped a badly wounded
  American to get back across the Moselle; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Hilfiger's crossing at Noirgeux was well chosen,
  and the U.S. forces were able to quickly establish a bridgehead to
  begin moving their men and equipment across the river; their
  advance helped bring about the capture of the city of Remiremont
  several days later, which was another step on the path to the
  ultimate Allied victory in Europe; and
         WHEREAS, Always appreciative of the sacrifices that
  Americans made to help his country, Mr. Hilfiger is active in a
  "Friends of the 36th U.S. Infantry Division" organization that each
  year commemorates the river crossing and helps focus attention on
  the important events that transpired during the war; and
         WHEREAS, Jean Hilfiger had not yet reached adulthood when he
  was called into action to help liberate his homeland, yet he put his
  life on the line to achieve that goal without hesitation by
  assisting American soldiers, and his actions continue to resonate
  more than six decades later; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, Th
  at the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
  hereby honor Jean Hilfiger for his courageous work in aiding U.S.
  military forces during World War II and extend to him sincere
  appreciation for his remarkable heroism; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Mr. Hilfiger as an expression of high regard by the
  Texas House of Representatives and Senate.
 
  Smithee
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.C.R. No. 164 was adopted by the House on May
  19, 2011, by a non-record vote.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.C.R. No. 164 was adopted by the Senate on May
  19, 2011, by a viva-voce vote.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate   
  APPROVED: __________________
                  Date       
   
           __________________
                Governor       
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