S*1468 Resolution, By Lourie, Alexander, Anderson, Bright, Bryant, Campbell, 
Campsen, Cleary, Coleman, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Elliott, Fair, Ford, Grooms, 
Hayes, Hutto, Jackson, Knotts, Land, Leatherman, Leventis, Malloy, L. Martin, 
S. Martin, Massey, Matthews, McConnell, McGill, Mulvaney, Nicholson, O'Dell, 
Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, Reese, Rose, Ryberg, Scott, Setzler, Sheheen, 
Shoopman, Thomas, Verdin and Williams
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM OF RETIRED UNITED
 STATES ARMY COLONEL CHARLES P. MURRAY, JR., OF COLUMBIA, WHO FOR HIS VALOR WAS
 GRANTED THE MEDAL OF HONOR, THE HIGHEST AWARD THAT CAN BE BESTOWED UPON A
 MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES.

   05/19/10  Senate Introduced and adopted SJ-19

TO COMMEND THE EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM OF RETIRED UNITED STATES ARMY COLONEL CHARLES P. MURRAY, JR., OF COLUMBIA, WHO FOR HIS VALOR WAS GRANTED THE MEDAL OF HONOR, THE HIGHEST AWARD THAT CAN BE BESTOWED UPON A MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES.

Whereas, throughout our nation's history, men and women in all eras from Concord and Lexington to Falleujah have gone into harm's way to protect and secure our country's freedom and way of life; and

Whereas, to recognize extraordinary heroism, the Congress of the United States established the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces of the United States; and

Whereas, three thousand four hundred forty-nine of these servicemen have received this signal honor, but fewer than one hundred remain with us today; and

Whereas, most recipients of the medal are ordinary Americans from ordinary backgrounds who, under extraordinary circumstances and at great risk to their own lives, performed an incredible act or a series of acts of conspicuous valor that clearly sets them apart from their comrades; and

Whereas, thirty-five recipients with South Carolina roots have received the Medal of Honor since its inception in 1862; and

Whereas, United States Army Colonel Charles P. Murray, Jr., is one of these South Carolinians; and

Whereas, he earned the award as commander of Company C, 30th Infantry, displaying supreme courage and heroic initiative near Kaysersberg, France on December 16, 1944, while leading a reinforced platoon into enemy territory. By his single-handed attack on an overwhelming force and by his intrepid and heroic fighting, then-First Lieutenant Murray stopped a counterattack, established an advance position against formidable odds, and provided an inspiring example for the men of his command; and

Whereas, Colonel Murray has received numerous other honors in recognition of his courageous actions, as well as for his longtime support of the Army infantry. In his hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina, a middle school is named after him. Most recently, Fort Jackson awarded him the Order of St. Maurice, and American Legion Post 6, where he has been a member for three decades, renamed its banquet room in his honor. In addition, Fort Jackson extended recognition to Colonel Murray's devoted wife of sixty-seven years, Anne, in presenting her the Shield of Sparta, which honors spouses for their support of the infantry; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate counts it a great privilege to honor United States Army Colonel Charles P. Murray, Jr., recipient of the Medal of Honor, and the members with one voice offer their grateful thanks to Almighty God for his extraordinary heroism in defense of our country and its ideals. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, commend the extraordinary heroism of retired United States Army Colonel Charles P. Murray, Jr., of Columbia, who for his valor was granted the Medal of Honor, the highest award that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces of the United States.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to United States Army Colonel Charles P. Murray, Jr.