HR1370 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1370 LRB098 23256 MST 62286 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois House of Representatives pays honor and respect to the truly great individuals who have served our country, and in doing so, have gone above and beyond the call of duty; and

WHEREAS, Lovelace "Ace" Kitchen served as a Sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps with the 556th Bombardment Squadron during World War II; he served as a radio operator and gunner with the AAF 757; and

WHEREAS, Lovelace Kitchen's overseas battles included those in Central Europe, the Ardennes, and the Rhineland; and

WHEREAS, Lovelace Kitchen took part in the infamous Battle of the Bulge; and

WHEREAS, Lovelace Kitchen flew in a Martin B-26 Marauder - a twin engine airplane designed for bombing at a low level; and

WHEREAS, During his service, Lovelace Kitchen was awarded 4 Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, an Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, an American Theatre Campaign Ribbon, a European African-Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon, 2 Overseas Bars, and a Victory Ribbon; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Lovelace "Ace" Kitchen for his heroic actions during World War II and we thank him for his service to his country; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Lovelace Kitchen as an expression of our esteem and respect.