SR0378 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0378 LRB097 14023 GRL 58643 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Jerald D. "Jack" Zallen of Herrin, who passed away on September 23, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Jerald Zallen was born on August 7, 1936, in Lewiston, Maine; his parents were Morris and Arlene (Jordan) Zallen; and

WHEREAS, Jerald Zallen served his country with pride and distinction as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War; he served as a sergeant with Company B, 7th Cavalry of the 1st Division; in a football field-sized clearing called landing zone X-Ray during the Battle of Ia Drang on November 14, 1965, Mr. Zallen's unit was surrounded by 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers dug into the tunnel warren mountainside; the ensuing battle was one of the most savage in United States history; the actions of his unit were later portrayed in the movie, "We Were Soldiers"; and

WHEREAS, Jerald Zallen was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Marie Zallen; his son, Richard F. Zallen; his former wife, Regina Zallen; and his parents; and

WHEREAS, Jerald Zallen is survived by his children, Jerald M. Zallen, Denise G. Zallen, Regina Michelle Bamber, and Michael A. Zallen; his grandchildren, Steven Robert Bamber, Sarah Paige Bamber, Jerald Zallen, and Shannon Zallen; his five half-brothers and half-sisters; his close friends, Lorraine and Ronald Bernsee and Sam Jorgensen; and his dog and longtime companion, Shadow; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Jerald D. "Jack" Zallen; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Jerald Zallen as an expression of our sympathy.