HR0633 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0633 LRB097 14765 KXB 59790 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Walter Brian Harris of Glen Carbon on being awarded the Soldier's Medal; and

WHEREAS, Walter Harris was presented with the Soldier's Medal for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on December 2, 2006, while responding to a family emergency; without regard for his own safety and well-being, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Harris entered a poisonous house that had 8 times the lethal limit of carbon monoxide in it after learning that several family members were trapped inside; he rescued his semi-conscious father-in-law and treated him for shock, and re-entered the house to carry out the body of his deceased mother-in-law before succumbing to carbon monoxide poisoning himself; and

WHEREAS, The courage and heroic action of Walter Harris are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect well on him, the Defense Information Systems Agency, and the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, Walter Harris is the first Army Reservist to receive the Soldier's Medal and only the sixth person in the State's history to receive the Soldier's Medal; and

WHEREAS, The Soldier's Medal is awarded to any person of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who, while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States, distinguishes himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy; and

WHEREAS, During his service, Walter Harris has also been honored with the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement, Army Achievement Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal-Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Liberation Medal-Kuwait, Joint Meritorious Unit Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, and Army Meritorious Unit Commendation; and

WHEREAS, Walter Harris serves as a model example of military service for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Walter Brian Harris on being awarded the Soldier's Medal and wish him the best in his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Walter Brian Harris as a symbol of our respect and esteem.