[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1099 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 1099

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                        March 21, 2010.
Whereas 2010 marks the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, in which the 
        United States Marine Corps, directly supported by the United States Navy 
        and elements of the United States Army, captured the island of Iwo Jima 
        during World War II;
Whereas the Battle of Iwo Jima lasted from February 19 to March 26, 1945, and 
        was among the most bitter battles in the history of the Marine Corps;
Whereas more than 70,000 Marines participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima;
Whereas 22 Marines, 4 Navy corpsmen, and 1 Navy landing craft commander received 
        the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action against an 
        enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the 
        United States Armed Forces, for their service during the Battle of Iwo 
        Jima;
Whereas half of the awards issued to Marines and Navy corpsmen of the 5th 
        Amphibious Corps were posthumous awards;
Whereas awards for service during the Battle of Iwo Jima represented more than 
        one-fourth of the 80 Medals of Honor awarded Marines during World War 
        II;
Whereas, in recognition of the particularly treacherous conditions experienced 
        by Marines, sailors, and soldiers during the Battle of Iwo Jima, 
        Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz 
        stated, ``Among the Americans who fought on Iwo island, uncommon valor 
        was a common virtue'';
Whereas the raising of the American flag over Mount Suribachi on February 23, 
        1945, was witnessed by many Marines all over Iwo Jima and the ships at 
        sea and, upon witnessing the sight, Navy Secretary James Vincent 
        Forrestal said, ``The raising of that flag means a Marine Corps for 
        another five hundred years'';
Whereas Joe Rosenthal's Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of the 5 Marines and 1 
        Navy corpsman raising the American flag over Mount Suribachi during the 
        Battle of Iwo Jima produced an iconic and lasting symbol of the courage 
        and determination that helped achieve victory for the United States 
        Armed Forces during World War II;
Whereas the Battle of Iwo Jima was a military victory critical to the assault on 
        Japan, providing a base for American fighter escorts and a way station 
        for bombers raiding Japan;
Whereas the United States success in capturing Iwo Jima was a crucial victory 
        that led to the eventual triumph in the Pacific Theatre during World War 
        II; and
Whereas over 17,000 Marines were wounded and almost 6,000 Marines made the 
        ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for their country in the Battle 
        of Iwo Jima: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima; and
            (2) recognizes and commends all members of the United States Armed 
        Forces who participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima for their service and 
        sacrifice, with particular honor and gratitude given to those gallant 
        Americans who gave their lives in defense of the United States and of 
        freedom during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.