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TO COMMEND THE EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM OF GEORGE L. MABRY, JR., 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, George L. Mabry, Jr., is one of these South Carolinians; and
Whereas, born in Sumter, South Carolina, Mr. Mabry entered the service in Sumter, South Carolina, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army, 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division and served with distinction and honor in Germany; and
Whereas, he received the Medal of Honor for exemplary service and heroic leadership above and beyond the call of duty in action while commanding the 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry in an attack through the Hurtgen Forest near Schevenhutte, Germany, on November 20, 1944; and
Whereas, George Mabry without concern for his own safety, traversed a minefield in the face of enemy opposition and lead his battalion across 300 yards of fire-swept terrain to siege elevated ground upon which he established a defensive position that menaced the enemy on both flanks which provided his regiment a firm foothold on the approach to the Cologne Plain; and
Whereas, Colonel Mabry's tenacious efforts while showing superior courage, daring, and leadership in an operation of major importance exemplify the finest characteristics of military service; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, would like to publicly recognize and honor Lieutenant Colonel George L. Mabry, Jr., this brave and courageous American, 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 George L. Mabry, Jr., 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 Lieutenant Colonel George L. Mabry, Jr.
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