IV 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 696 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 20, 2012 Mr. Smith of Washington (for himself and Mr. McKeon) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned RESOLUTION Recognizing the 70th anniversary of the Guadalcanal campaign during World War II.

Whereas 2012 marks the 70th anniversary of the Guadalcanal campaign during World War II, in which the United States Armed Forces and Allied forces fought on and around the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands; Whereas the Guadalcanal campaign lasted from August 7, 1942, to February 9, 1943, and was a decisive turning point in the war in the Pacific Theater when Allied operations turned from defense to offensive military operations; Whereas more than 60,000 Allied ground, air, and naval personnel participated in the Guadalcanal campaign; Whereas Allied ground forces, strongly supported by United States naval and air units, bravely fought entrenched enemy forces, ultimately taking control of Guadalcanal and the surrounding islands; Whereas Allied forces, resisting multiple attempts by the enemy to retake Guadalcanal and the surrounding islands, decisively defeated enemy forces each time, showing exceptional gallantry in defense of Henderson Field, which was of particular importance to enemy military forces; Whereas faced with defeat, enemy forces retreated from Guadalcanal and the surrounding islands, effectively ending their military expansion in the Pacific Theater and giving the Allies a significant psychological victory, increasing confidence that Allied victory in the Pacific was achievable; and Whereas over 7,100 Allied military personnel made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for their countries in the Guadalcanal campaign: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)recognizes the 70th anniversary of the Guadalcanal campaign during World War II; and (2)recognizes and commends the members of the United States Armed Forces and Allied forces who participated in the Guadalcanal campaign for their service and sacrifice, with particular honor and gratitude given to the members of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in defense of the United States and of freedom during the campaign.