By Marchant                                            H.R. No. 970
         76R12241 WMS-D                           
                                 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.