S*1403 Session 111 (1995-1996)
S*1403 Concurrent Resolution, By Drummond
A Concurrent Resolution welcoming the members of the USS Santee to South
Carolina as they celebrate triumphant memories of World War II.
04/30/96 Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-8
04/30/96 House Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-12
A CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
WELCOMING THE MEMBERS OF THE USS SANTEE TO
SOUTH CAROLINA AS THEY CELEBRATE TRIUMPHANT
MEMORIES OF WORLD WAR II.
Whereas, the members of the USS Santee will convene at the
Northwoods Atrium Hotel in Charleston County during the week of
May 5, 1996 to celebrate triumphant memories of World War II;
and
Whereas, hit by the first kamikaze, the USS Santee endured
tremendous odds and displayed acts of heroism; and
Whereas, originally constructed as a fast oil tanker in 1939, the
Santee soon became absorbed in the United States Navy to help
with the efforts of World War II; on October 12, 1942, under the
command of Captain W. D. Sample, the Santee steamed out to sea;
and
Whereas, in Africa the Santee became the first CVE to support
troop landings and on March 10, 1943, she was the first to
participate in the sinking of the German raider, "Kota
Nopan", off the coast of South America; and
Whereas, the Santee served in both the Atlantic and the Pacific; she
spent tremendous time and effort supporting the landings at
Aitape-Hollandia and later, the invasion landings of Morotai; and
Whereas, the Santee came under attack on October 20, 1944 by
three Japanese Zeros; they dropped four bombs on both the port and
starboard side of the vessel but were shot down by the ship's guns
and air patrol protection; and
Whereas, in March, 1945, the Santee supported the landings at
Okinawa; here, the ship and its crew surged through eighty-two
days of constant battle and flight operations, 3,073 missions, 9,535
combat hours, and 906 tons of bombs that were dropped; and
Whereas, on the way to cover troops in Korea, the Santee had her
course changed by a typhoon which took the ship to Formosa; and
it was here that the Santee brought aboard 477 prisoners-of-war
from a camp on the island; and
Whereas, when the end of the war came in September, 1945, the
Santee's efforts were curtailed; however, she had contributed
outstanding efforts to the war (only some of which are related here)
and had undergone and endured tremendous hardships and dangers
(again, only some of which are mentioned here), and it is truly
fitting and proper that the Santee's valiant actions be recalled with
fanfare and celebration; and
Whereas, the President of the United States has presented the
"Presidential Unit Citation" to the Santee and her
attached Air Groups, a very high and well-deserved honor; and
Whereas, we are delighted to have the personnel of the Santee
present in South Carolina for this superb and joyous celebration.
Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives
concurring:
That the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this
resolution, officially welcomes the members of the USS Santee to
South Carolina as they celebrate triumphant memories of World
War II.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to
the officers, crew, and staff of the USS Santee.
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