S*0714 Resolution, By Alexander
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR RETIRED MAJOR GEORGE MITCHELL FOR HIS DEDICATED
 SERVICE TO HIS STATE AND NATION AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON BEING AWARDED THE
 PURPLE HEART FOR COURAGEOUS SERVICE IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

   05/08/17  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 7)

TO HONOR RETIRED MAJOR GEORGE MITCHELL FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO HIS STATE AND NATION AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON BEING AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART FOR COURAGEOUS SERVICE IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate acknowledge with deep appreciation the service rendered by Retired Major George Mitchell in pursuit of peace and safety for all citizens; and

Whereas, Retired Major George Mitchell of Clemson received the Purple Heart on Sunday, May 7, 2017, seventy-two years and five months after he was wounded in Germany. The celebration came on the eve of the seventy-second anniversary of V-E Day; and

Whereas, in the winter of 1944, Mitchell, a twenty-year-old machine gun operator, lived outdoors on the frozen battlefields of western Germany, among the 78th Infantry Division, which fought the Battle of the Bulge. They fought day and night in foxholes constantly filled with water, and many succumbed to frostbite; and

Whereas, in the six weeks that Mitchell's 309th infantry fought in the Ardennes Forest, its part in the Battle of the Bulge, 10,276 U.S. troops were killed. Another 47,493 were wounded, and 23,218 were never found; and

Whereas, on December 14, 1944, during the Battle of Kesternich, Mitchell was wounded with a severe concussion and lacerations. He was treated for his wounds at a makeshift aid station and promptly returned to battle. His injury was never reported during the war, as he wanted to avoid notifying his mother; and

Whereas, Mitchell earned a Bronze Star and three Battle Stars from the Ardennes, the Rhineland, and Central Europe for his part in the Allied conquest; and

Whereas, upon returning home in 1946, Mitchell earned degrees in business and law from the University of Minnesota and later served twenty years in the Air Force Reserves, attaining the rank of major. In 1955, he joined the Jostens Company, quickly becoming manager of a new manufacturing facility in Shelbyville, Tennessee, and retiring after thirty-three years; and

Whereas, Mitchell lives by a creed of gratitude, and he refuses to complain, enjoying life alongside his wife, Sally; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate take great pleasure in saluting Retired Major George Mitchell and offer their gratitude for the committed service of this courageous son of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor Retired Major George Mitchell for his dedicated service to his State and nation and congratulate him on being awarded the Purple Heart for courageous service in the line of duty.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Retired Major George Mitchell.