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90_HR0287
LRB9007791KBkb
1 HOUSE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, The Illinois House of Representatives is proud
3 to honor Neil P. Iovino for his remarkable service during
4 World War II; and
5 WHEREAS, Neil P. Iovino enlisted in the United States
6 Marine Corps in early December of 1939, and after one month
7 of boot camp, volunteered and was sent to Shanghai, China
8 where he became a member of the Fourth Marines, distinguished
9 for their remarkable record in Asiatic Duty; and
10 WHEREAS, As a member of the Fourth Marines at Olongapo
11 Naval Base, Philippine Islands, Mr. Iovino was the first to
12 be wounded in defense of the island which was under constant
13 aerial bombardment by the Japanese soon after the surprise
14 attack at Pearl Harbor; and
15 WHEREAS, Mr. Iovino, despite being seriously wounded, was
16 forced to march in what became known as "The Death March of
17 Battan"; despite his condition he was reported as being the
18 chief morale builder, encouraging the others to continue
19 onward; and
20 WHEREAS, Mr. Iovino was taken to Cabanatuan Prison Camp,
21 where he was operated on twice by doctors, who marveled that
22 he "pulled through" before he returned to the United States
23 and proper hospital treatment; and
24 WHEREAS, Word trickled through Washington, from officers
25 and men of the Fourth Marines, about Mr. Iovino's steadfast
26 encouragement of all, how he, despite his own severe
27 injuries, helped nurse other casualties and provided his
28 companions with non-stop encouragement; and
29 WHEREAS, One year later, Mr. Iovino was awarded the
30 Silver Star, second in honor only to the Congressional Medal
31 of Honor; and
-2- LRB9007791KBkb
1 WHEREAS, Mr. Iovino made a large number of appearances on
2 behalf of the war effort throughout the Chicago area and
3 remains active in the community as a lifetime member of the
4 Disabled American Veterans, the American Defenders of Bataan
5 and Corregidor, and the American Legion; and
6 WHEREAS, Mr. Iovino not only distinguished himself
7 throughout the war but has continued his patriotism for
8 America since he first joined the United States Marine Corps
9 on December 6, 1939; therefore, be it
10 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
11 NINETIETH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
12 honor Neil Iovino for his service to his country during World
13 War II; and that we honor Neil Iovino on December 6, 1997,
14 when Governor Jim Edgar will declare Neil P. Iovino Day in
15 Illinois; and be it further
16 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
17 presented to Neil P. Iovino.