SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 135

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED DECEMBER 1, 1997

By Senator SCHLUTER

A Concurrent Resolution calling on the Congress of the United States to name a new U.S. Navy vessel in honor of Admiral John D. Bulkeley.

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 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, Given the years of dedication to the U.S. Navy and distinguished service to this country by Admiral Bulkeley, it is the belief of this House that the United States Congress should name a new Navy vessel in his honor; now, therefore,

    Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):

    1. This House calls on the United States Congress to name a new U.S. Navy vessel in honor of Admiral John D. Bulkeley.

    2. Duly authenticated copies of this concurrent resolution, signed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the General Assembly, shall be transmitted to the Vice President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Majority and Minority Leaders in each House, and each of the members of Congress elected from this State.

STATEMENT

    This resolution calls on the United States Congress to name a new U.S. Navy vessel in honor of Admiral John D. Bulkeley.

Calls on Congress to name a new U.S. Navy vessel in honor of Admiral John D. Bulkeley.