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TO COMMEND THE EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM OF RICHMOND HOBSON HILTON WHO WAS AWARDED THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HIS VALOR, WHICH IS 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 in 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 which represents the highest award for valor that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces of the United States; and
Whereas, there have been more than three thousand four hundred recipients but fewer than one hundred forty 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-seven citizens with South Carolina roots have received the Medal of Honor since its inception; and
Whereas, Richmond Hobson Hilton is one of these South Carolinians; and
Whereas, Sergeant Hilton, Company M, 118th Infantry, 30th Division, United States Army, displayed extraordinary courage when his company was under intense machine-gun fire while advancing through the village of Brancourt, France. Discovering the source of the machine-gun fire, Sergeant Hilton, well in advance of a small contingent of soldiers, pressed toward the source, firing first his rifle, until his ammunition was exhausted, and then his pistol. He killed six of the enemy and captured ten, during which he was hit, resulting in the loss of his arm; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, would like to publicly recognize and honor the memory of Richmond Hobson Hilton this brave and courageous son of South Carolina for his extraordinary heroism in the defense of our country and her ideals, which epitomizes the very best of what America stands for. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly commend the extraordinary heroism of Richmond Hobson Hilton who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor, which is 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 forwarded to the family of Richmond Hobson Hilton.
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