SR0945 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0945 LRB097 23208 GRL 72031 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of United States Army Sergeant Merle Allen Dentino, who was killed in action in Vietnam on June 30, 1970; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Merle Dentino was born on October 15, 1948, in Peoria; he was a graduate of Spalding Catholic High School and attended the University of Illinois in Champaign before joining the United States Army in late 1969; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Merle Dentino was killed in action on June 30, 1970 in Vietnam, following an accidental friendly fire incident; that same year, he was promoted posthumously to the rank of sergeant; he was also awarded the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Metal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Expert Badge with grenade, rifle, and automatic rifle bars prior to his death and was awarded the Bronze Star with First Oak Leaf Cluster for heroism and the Good Conduct Medal posthumously in 1970; and

WHEREAS, After the Army Review Boards Agency received United States Representative Aaron Schock's request in 2011 for Sgt. Merle Dentino to receive the Purple Heart, his record was again reviewed; the decision was made to award him the medal on April 3, 2012, along with the Army Commendation Medal with V Device, the Valorous Unit Award, the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation; he was officially awarded the Purple Heart and his other medals on July 6, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Merle Dentino was the son of the late James and the late Ella (Mucciante) Dentino; the brother of Richard Dentino, the late Dr. Ronald Dentino, and Teresa Dentino; the brother-in-law of Rosemarie Dentino; the uncle of Maria Dentino; the uncle of Kathy Dentino; he also had 3 nieces, Michelle Dentino May, Diana, and Lisa, and 2 nephews, Scott Dentino and Fred Dentino; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of United States Army Sergeant Merle Allen Dentino, honor him for his great bravery and willingness to serve his country, and express our heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices made by Sgt. Dentino and all other service members to keep our nation safe; and be it further

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