JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5

 

A Joint Resolution designating that portion of State Highway Route No. 57 located inWarren County as the "Admiral John D. Bulkeley Memorial Highway."

 

Whereas, Admiral John D. Bulkeley who passed away on April 6, 1996, at the age of 84, was a nationally recognized military hero, with a long and distinguished record of service in the Navy that included combat service in two wars and a bewildering variety of other meritorious service; and

Whereas, A pioneer in patrol torpedo (PT) boat tactics, Bulkeley's outstanding exploits during World War II included the defense of the Philippines during the beginning of the war in the Pacific Theater, involving a series of stunning attacks on Japanese shipping with the legendary Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three, which he commanded, and with which he accomplished the daring rescue of General Douglas MacArthur and his staff from the Philippines as the islands fell to the Japanese; and

Whereas, In recognition of his valiant efforts during the early stages of the war in the Pacific, President Roosevelt decorated Bulkeley with the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award, and one of more than two dozen combat decorations, citations, service awards and campaign medals received from the United States and from foreign nations during his extraordinary military career; and

Whereas, After serving in several Pacific Theater operations, Bulkeley was called to England where he further distinguished himself through his contributions to the D-Day invasion of German-occupied France on June 6, 1944; and

Whereas, Admiral Bulkeley saw additional wartime action as a ship commander during the Korean War at the Inchon landings, and thereafter served some ten years later as commander of the Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba during the 1960's where he successfully confronted Fidel Castro over the issue of potable water for the base; and

Whereas, In addition to receiving the nation's highest military award, the Medal of Honor, Admiral Bulkeley's other distinguished military decorations included the Navy Cross, two Distinguished Service Crosses, the Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Stars, two Legion of Merits with combat "V" and the Purple Heart, thereby making him one of New Jersey's--and the nation's--premier war heros; and

Whereas, Admiral Bulkeley's record of accomplishment throughout his 55-year military career has served as a model of excellence and devotion to duty for many thousands of midshipmen at the Naval Academy who have looked up to him as an inspiring leader and tireless defender of freedom for our country; and

Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper to designate that portion of State Highway Route No. 57 located in Warren County in memory of Admiral John D. Bulkeley, who resided for many years in Mansfield Township while attending the primary and secondary school system serving the township, in order to accord proper recognition by the State of his distinguished record of military service to his country; now, therefore,


    Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:


    1. The Commissioner of Transportation shall designate that portion of State Highway Route No. 57 in Warren County as the "Admiral John D. Bulkeley Memorial Highway."


    2. The Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to erect appropriate signage bearing that name.


    3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.


    Approved August 13, 1997.