PRINTER'S NO. 2987
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
627
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY O'NEAL, BARRAR, SAINATO, RYAN, KINSEY, SCHMITT,
TOEPEL, BOBACK, HELM, WENTLING, MILLARD, PYLE, ROTHMAN,
JAMES, FREEMAN, COX, BERNSTINE, STAATS, RADER, DeLUCA,
READSHAW, DEASY, MOUL, HILL-EVANS AND YOUNGBLOOD,
DECEMBER 9, 2019
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS, DECEMBER 9, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Urging the President and the Congress of the United States to
enact S. 1757 or similar legislation to award the
Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the United States
Army Rangers Veterans of World War II in recognition of their
extraordinary service.
WHEREAS, Of the more than 15 million soldiers who served in
the armed forces in World War II, only 3,000 were Rangers; and
WHEREAS, The 1st Ranger Battalion was formed at the onset of
the United States' involvement in the conflict as an elite unit
modeled after the British Commandos; and
WHEREAS, The Rangers were highly and rigorously trained to
attack in the dead of night from the least likely route and
climb cliffs and speed march, enabling them to infiltrate deep
behind enemy lines on foot; and
WHEREAS, There were six Ranger Battalions deployed during
World War II, all of which were strictly volunteer; and
WHEREAS, Each battalion was comprised of approximately 500
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
men; and
WHEREAS, At least 48 World War II Rangers came from this
Commonwealth, 33 of which remained overseas in American
battlefield cemeteries; and
WHEREAS, Three World War II Rangers in D Company, 2nd Ranger
Battalion were from Altoona; and
WHEREAS, Two of the three climbed the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc
and one destroyed five of six long-range artillery pieces at
Pointe du Hoc; and
WHEREAS, There are only 41 known World War II Rangers alive
nationwide; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that these heroes are given the
honor they deserve; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge the
President and the Congress of the United States to enact S. 1757
or similar legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal,
collectively, to the United States Army Rangers Veterans of
World War II in recognition of their extraordinary service; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to
the President of the United States, to the presiding officers of
each house of Congress and to each member of Congress from
Pennsylvania.
20190HR0627PN2987 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23