Bill Text: MS HC14 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Roy F. Hodges; commend heroism of during World War II.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-01-25 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC14 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2017-HC14-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Steverson
House Concurrent Resolution 14
(As Adopted by House and Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE COURAGE AND BRAVERY OF ROY F. HODGES AND COMMENDING HIS VALIANT SERVICE ON BEHALF OF THIS GREAT NATION DURING WORLD WAR II.
WHEREAS, Roy F. Hodges distinguished himself as a fearless soldier and waist gunner during World War II in the 389th Bomb Group with the 567th Squadron of the 8th Air Force of the United States Army, when he nobly put his life on the line to protect the freedoms of all Americans and rescue Western Europe from Nazi control; and
WHEREAS, when the relations between the United States and the hostile Axis Powers diminished and tensions ran high, causing Lady Liberty to engage the extremist regime in World War II, a young and altruistic Roy joined the ranks of an elite fraternity of soldiers in the United States Army who patriotically served their country during that atrocious war; and
WHEREAS, Roy flew 33 combat missions between August 1944 and May 1945, mostly over the heartland of the destitute and war-tattered Nazi-held Germany, where he and his crew targeted oil refineries, factories, air fields and railroad yards in an effort to weaken the arsenal held by the fanatical hostile foe; and
WHEREAS, during one such mission, danger struck Mr. Hodges and his fellow crew members in the form of friendly fire instead of the expected explosives from the ruthless foe, but fortunately, they were able to escape the deadly miscommunication with their lives; and
WHEREAS, another difficult mission occurred on March 24, 1945, in Wessel, Germany, when he and his comrades stealthily maneuvered across the Rhine River to drop much needed supplies to paratroopers from the Allied Forces who had landed in the area, but in a tragic turn of events, one of the planes in Roy's squadron did not return to the mainland; and
WHEREAS, during the war, Mr. Hodges altruistically defended and protected his country against the horrendous Axis Powers in numerous dangerous missions, and it was his unceasing gallantry and indomitable valor during the war that earned him the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, one of the most prestigious and esteemed a fearless combatant can receive; and
WHEREAS, after facilitating victory for the United States in World War II, the heroic veteran shifted from an invaluable soldier to a priceless contributor to his community, serving with the Mississippi Forestry Commission until his retirement and volunteering as a part-time Tippah County fire coordinator; and
WHEREAS, Roy F. Hodges' unflinching courage and bravery reflect lasting glory upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the infantry and the military service; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to honor heroic Mississippians such as Roy F. Hodges for his dauntless fortitude and his remarkable dedication to the United States of America and the people of the State of Mississippi, who are eternally appreciative, for without Hodges, 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 recognize the courage and bravery of Roy F. Hodges and commend his valiant service during World War II on behalf of this great nation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Roy F. Hodges and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
