[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 438 Introduced in House (IH)]






108th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 438

 Recognizing and honoring the crew of the U.S.S. Pittsburgh for their 
 heroism in March 1945 for rendering aid and assistance to the U.S.S. 
                         Franklin and its crew.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 20, 2004

 Mr. Van Hollen (for himself, Mr. Murphy, and Mrs. Maloney) submitted 
    the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the 
                      Committee on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
 Recognizing and honoring the crew of the U.S.S. Pittsburgh for their 
 heroism in March 1945 for rendering aid and assistance to the U.S.S. 
                         Franklin and its crew.

Whereas on March 19, 1945, the U.S.S. Franklin, as part of Task Force 58, 
        launched an attack against Japan;
Whereas the Japanese responded with an air attack against Task Force 58, 
        striking the U.S.S. Franklin, killing 724 crew members and injuring 265 
        other crew members, and setting the U.S.S. Franklin ablaze;
Whereas the U.S.S. Pittsburgh was dispatched to assist the U.S.S. Franklin;
Whereas the crew of the U.S.S. Pittsburgh performed outstanding feats of 
        seamanship, including attaching a tow line to the flaming U.S.S. 
        Franklin and rescuing 34 of its crew members from turbulent waters;
Whereas the U.S.S. Pittsburgh and the U.S.S. Santa Fe defended against two 
        additional Japanese air attacks while respectively towing and escorting 
        the U.S.S. Franklin to safety;
Whereas, as a result of their heroic actions in saving their ship, the crew of 
        the U.S.S. Franklin was highly decorated, receiving awards of two 
        Congressional Medals of Honor, five Gold Stars, 22 Silver Stars, and 250 
        Letters of Commendation, and they became the most decorated crew in the 
        history of the Navy;
Whereas, as a result of their bravery, the crew of the U.S.S. Santa Fe received 
        a Navy Unit Commendation; and
Whereas the crew of the U.S.S. Pittsburgh, however, has never been collectively 
        honored or recognized for their heroism and bravery during the rescue of 
        the U.S.S. Franklin and its crew: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That Congress recognizes and honors the crew of the U.S.S. Pittsburgh 
for their heroism on March 19, 1945, for rendering aid and assistance 
to the U.S.S. Franklin and its crew.
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