R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor 1-2 Billy J. Webster of Carrollton for his notable contributions to 1-3 the defense of his nation during World War II; and 1-4 WHEREAS, A native of Hillsboro, Texas, he enlisted in the 1-5 U.S. Navy in 1943 and was stationed on the U.S.S. Collett, a 1-6 destroyer operating in the Pacific Theater; the Collett had a 1-7 prestigious battle record during World War II, sinking a submarine, 1-8 downing four enemy aircraft, and participating in a historic attack 1-9 on Japanese shipping in Tokyo Bay on July 22, 1945; and 1-10 WHEREAS, While serving his tour of duty on the Collett, 1-11 Mr. Webster experienced a harrowing incident during a severe storm 1-12 in which he was nearly swept overboard, a fate that befell three of 1-13 his shipmates, all of whom perished in the unforgiving sea; and 1-14 WHEREAS, This patriotic individual became a member of the 1-15 U.S. Air Force in 1948 and served his nation with distinction until 1-16 his retirement from the military in 1965; and 1-17 WHEREAS, In recognition of his exemplary service, Mr. Webster 1-18 was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign 1-19 Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Service 1-20 Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and Philippine Presidential 1-21 Unit Citation; and 1-22 WHEREAS, Mr. Webster's earliest years as a member of the 1-23 United States armed forces occurred at a pivotal time in our 1-24 nation's history, and his contributions to the cause of freedom, 2-1 along with those of his shipmates, are indeed worthy of special 2-2 recognition; now, therefore, be it 2-3 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-4 Legislature hereby commend Billy J. Webster for his significant 2-5 service to his country as a member of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air 2-6 Force and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be 2-7 it further 2-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-9 prepared for Mr. Webster as an expression of high regard by the 2-10 Texas House of Representatives. Marchant _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 970 was adopted by the House on May 28, 1999, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House