SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 35

(By Senators Prezioso, Love, Plymale, Jackson, Walker, Oliverio, Minard, Wooton, Helmick, Chafin, Bowman, Bailey, Anderson, Snyder, Edgell, Kessler, Dittmar, Sharpe, Ross, Ball, Dawson, Hunter, Mitchell, Craigo, McKenzie, McCabe, Redd, Unger, Boley, Deem, Minear, Sprouse and Tomblin, Mr. President)

Congratulating Hershel Woodrow Williams, World War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, as the first recipient of a high school diploma contingent upon, and in accordance with, the provisions of new legislation providing high school diplomas to certain veterans who did not graduate from high school due to various wars.

Whereas, Hershel Woodrow Williams was a student at East Fairmont High School in 1942; and
Whereas, In 1942, Hershel Woodrow Williams left high school without graduating and joined the United States Marine Corps during World War II; and
Whereas, On February 23, 1945, on Iwo Jima in the Volcan Islands, Hershel Woodrow Williams distinguished himself by his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty; and
Whereas, Hershel Woodrow Williams was presented the nation's highest military honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, for his valor and unselfish heroism; and
Whereas, Upon returning from the war, Hershel Woodrow Williams pursued and received a General Educational Development certificate from the Department of Education; and
Whereas, Fifty-eight years after leaving high school to defend and protect all Americans and fifty-five years after distinguishing himself in battle above and beyond the call the duty, Hershel Woodrow Williams is the first West Virginia veteran to receive his high school diploma contingent upon, and in accordance with, the provisions of new legislation providing high school diplomas to certain veterans; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby congratulates Hershel Woodrow Williams as the first recipient of a high school diploma contingent upon, and in accordance with, the provisions of new legislation providing high school diplomas to certain veterans who chose to defend and protect the lives and liberty of all Americans; and, be it
Further resolved, That the Senate hereby commends Hershel Woodrow Williams for his gallantry and valor, above and beyond the call of duty, during World War II and for his receipt of the nation's highest military honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Hershel Woodrow Williams, distinguished World War II veteran, recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor.