SR1145 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1145 LRB098 20764 MST 58760 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that honor and respect is paid 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, The heroic actions of Loren Duke Abdalla, a former Marine Raider during World War II, are currently being reviewed by President Barack Obama and Senator Richard Durbin for the highest honor from the United States for military service, the Medal of Honor; and

WHEREAS, Loren Abdalla's actions during World War II have gone unnoticed for over 65 years; he fought in the Pacific Theater in the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa; known as "The Indian", due to his Native American heritage with the Yankton Sioux Tribe from South Dakota, he was severely injured during the Battle at Peleliu; after recovering at a hospital on Guadalcanal, he rejoined his unit and fought in the Battle of Okinawa; and

WHEREAS, During the Battle of Okinawa, in the face of heavy enemy fire, Loren Abdalla bravely led his platoon to successfully achieve the objectives that they were tasked with; and

WHEREAS, On April 22, 2009, Loren Abdalla was honored by the city council of Chicago and Mayor Richard M. Daley for his military service; a resolution was presented calling on President Obama and the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to review his military service in the hopes that he will be properly honored; and

WHEREAS, Loren Abdalla's actions during the Battle of Okinawa advanced the United States war effort in the Pacific Theater and saved the lives of many of the soldiers around him who were able to return home to their families; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the heroic actions of Loren Duke Abdalla during World War II are recognized and that President Obama, Senator Durbin, Senator Kirk, and the other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation are urged and encouraged to take the action necessary to ensure Loren Duke Abdalla is awarded the Medal of Honor; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Loren Abdalla, President Barack Obama, Senator Richard Durbin, Senator Mark Kirk, and the other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation.