[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 364 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 364


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 19, 2002

        Received and referred to the Committee on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
 Recognizing the historic significance of the 50th anniversary of the 
  founding of the United States Army Special Forces and honoring the 
  ``Father of the Special Forces'', Colonel Aaron Bank (United States 
     Army, retired) of Mission Viejo, California, for his role in 
                 establishing the Army Special Forces.

Whereas on June 22, 2002, the Special Forces Association will celebrate the 50th 
        anniversary of the establishment of the first permanent special forces 
        unit in the United States Army;
Whereas such unit was created in response to the advocacy of Colonel Aaron Bank 
        (United States Army, retired), known as the ``Father of the Special 
        Forces'';
Whereas Colonel Aaron Bank's service in the Office of Strategic Services and his 
        experience leading resistance fighters against Nazi Germany convinced 
        him of the need for permanent, elite units in the Armed Forces that 
        would specialize in small unit and counterinsurgency tactics, 
        intelligence operations, and the training of indigenous soldiers;
Whereas in 1952 the Army created its first special forces unit, the 10th Special 
        Forces Group, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, which would later be known 
        for the distinctive green berets worn by its soldiers;
Whereas Colonel Aaron Bank was assigned as the first commanding officer of the 
        10th Special Forces Group;
Whereas the success of the United States Army Special Forces encouraged the 
        incorporation of principles of force multiplication into the military 
        doctrine of the United States and paved the way for the revitalization 
        of special operations forces in the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps;
Whereas these special operations forces have helped revolutionize the conduct of 
        modern warfare;
Whereas special operations soldiers have served with bravery and distinction in 
        every major military conflict in which the United States has been 
        involved in the last 50 years and in innumerable covert operations;
Whereas special operations soldiers are sometimes called upon to conduct 
        missions so secret that their bravery cannot be fully recognized;
Whereas special operations soldiers are playing a critical role in the war 
        against terrorism; and
Whereas thanks to Colonel Aaron Bank and the thousands of United States Army 
        Special Forces soldiers who have followed him, the Armed Forces are 
        better prepared to conduct unconventional warfare and to protect the 
        United States from developing threats: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That Congress--
            (1) recognizes the historic significance of the 50th 
        anniversary of the founding of the United States Army Special 
        Forces;
            (2) honors the ``Father of the Special Forces'', Colonel 
        Aaron Bank (United States Army, retired) of Mission Viejo, 
        California, for his role in establishing the United States Army 
        Special Forces;
            (3) recognizes the sacrifices and accomplishments of United 
        States Army Special Forces soldiers and of all other special 
        operations soldiers in the Armed Forces;
            (4) expresses deep gratitude for the continuing sacrifices 
        of United States Army Special Forces soldiers and of all other 
        special operations soldiers in the Armed Forces now fighting 
        throughout the world in defense of the freedoms challenged by 
        the heinous events of September 11, 2001; and
            (5) honors the sacrifices made by United States Army 
        Special Forces soldiers who have trained hard and acquitted 
        themselves with honor by serving valiantly in battle, with many 
        making the ultimate sacrifice to their country, many times in 
        missions so secret that their valor may never be fully 
        acknowledged.

            Passed the House of Representatives June 18, 2002.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.