Bill Text: IL HJR0012 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Designates the Utica River Bridge as the "Ralph E. Snell Memorial Bridge".

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Engrossed) 2023-06-26 - Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments [HJR0012 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-HJR0012-Introduced.html

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General
Assembly pays honor and respect to veterans who have served
their country and the State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Ralph E. Snell was a member
of the 136th Infantry, 33rd Division of the U.S. Army; he
entered into service on April 22, 1942, and he was stationed at
various camps in the United States until he went overseas on
July 5, 1943; he served in the New Guinea and Philippine
campaigns and returned to the United States on November 4,
1945; he was honorably discharged at Camp Grant on November
24, 1945; and
WHEREAS, On May 6, 1945, the 136th Infantry was met by
heavy mortar, machine gun, and rifle fire from the flanks and
from caves on the reverse slope; as it reached the crest of the
hill, a machine gun on the right flank opened fire and wounded
four men; PFC Snell moved forward alone and destroyed the
weapon and its crew; he then directed his fellow soldiers in
destroying three Japanese strong points; although wounded
himself, he led his fellow soldiers forward, secured the enemy
positions, captured the hill, and only then allowed himself to
be evacuated; and

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WHEREAS, On June 9, 1946, PFC Snell was awarded the
Distinguished Service Cross, the army's second highest award
for conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty;
along with the cross, he received the Good Conduct Medal, the
American Campaign Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with two
Bronze Battle Stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal with one
Bronze Battle Star, and the Purple Heart; and
WHEREAS, PFC Snell displayed inspiring leadership,
indomitable fighting spirit, and heroic effort despite his
wounds; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE
SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the Utica River
Bridge as the "Ralph E. Snell Memorial Bridge"; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation
is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with
State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs
giving notice of the name of the "Ralph E. Snell Memorial
Bridge"; and be it further
RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
presented to the family of PFC Snell and the Secretary of the

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Illinois Department of Transportation.