SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 306
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure in
  recognizing the members of the United States Navy Armed Guard for
  their distinguished service and lasting commitment to the ideals
  of this nation; and
         WHEREAS, This unique branch of the United States Navy
  played a vital role in protecting American interests during World
  War II; its members were responsible for defending United States
  and Allied merchant ships from attack by enemy aircraft,
  submarines, and surface ships; and
         WHEREAS, The servicemen of the United States Navy Armed
  Guard were gunners, signal men, and radio operators on cargo
  ships, tankers, troop ships, and other vessels; without their
  contributions, victory in World War II would most certainly have
  been more difficult and would have taken much longer to achieve;
  and
         WHEREAS, First established during World War I, when some
  384 American merchant vessels carried guns and Navy personnel,
  the Navy Armed Guard was revived for the second World War; in the
  latter conflict, a total of 144,970 enlisted men and officers
  served in the Navy Armed Guard; and
         WHEREAS, These commendable patriots sailed on 6,236
  merchant ships and other Allied vessels; more than 700 of those
  ships were sunk and many more were damaged; Armed Guard
  casualties number at least 1,810 killed or missing in action and
  many more wounded; this casualty rate equals that of any other
  branch of the Armed Forces during World War II; and
         WHEREAS, Texas members of this remarkable group have
  gathered regularly for reunions since 1981; this year, 10
  veterans will gather in College Station on March 1 and 2 to
  remember their service with pride and to reinforce the
  unbreakable friendships they have formed over the years; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
  83rd Legislature, hereby honor the members of the United States
  Navy Armed Guard for their immeasurable service to this country
  and extend to them sincere best wishes on the occasion of their
  reunion; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  them as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
  Schwertner
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on February 25, 2013.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate