R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On February 20, 1997, Harry G. Daves, Jr., was 1-2 awarded the Purple Heart in recognition of his distinguished 1-3 military service during World War II, and this long overdue honor 1-4 is indeed well deserved; and 1-5 WHEREAS, A gunner and motor machinist mate second class in 1-6 the U.S. Navy, he served with the landing craft infantry and 1-7 participated in five major landings; this outstanding patriot was 1-8 wounded during the invasion of Gela, Sicily, on July 11, 1943, but 1-9 was so moved by seeing many of his comrades fall in battle that he 1-10 refused to be written up for the Purple Heart; and 1-11 WHEREAS, After completing his military service, Mr. Daves 1-12 married the former Myrtle Jeffie Herron and took a position with 1-13 the Exxon Refinery in Baytown; the couple made their home in the 1-14 Old River-Winfree community of western Chambers County, where they 1-15 have continued to reside; and 1-16 WHEREAS, He retired from Exxon in 1977 and has become a 1-17 leader in the field of historical preservation as a member of the 1-18 Chambers County Historical Commission, president of the Chambers 1-19 County Heritage Society, board member for the Wallisville Heritage 1-20 Park, and an ex officio member of the Liberty County Historical 1-21 Commission; in recognition of his work in preserving Texas history 1-22 he was chosen to receive the San Jacinto Award in 1996; and 1-23 WHEREAS, In addition, he is devoting his time and energy to 1-24 the USS LCI National Association, a group of World War II veterans 2-1 whose goal is to document and preserve their experiences during 2-2 that monumental conflict; and 2-3 WHEREAS, Harry G. Daves, Jr., has been an inspiration to all 2-4 who have had the pleasure of knowing him, and it is indeed 2-5 appropriate that he receive special legislative recognition in 2-6 light of his most recent honor; now, therefore, be it 2-7 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-8 Legislature hereby congratulate Harry G. Daves, Jr., on being 2-9 awarded the Purple Heart for his service to his country during 2-10 World War II; and, be it further 2-11 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-12 prepared for Mr. Daves as an expression of high regard by the Texas 2-13 House of Representatives. Zbranek _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 456 was adopted by the House on April 25, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House