SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 31

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED JULY 25, 1996

By Senator SINAGRA

A Joint Resolution designating State Highway Route 9 when it passes through Middlesex County as the Korean War Memorial Highway/Joseph C. Sabella, Army.

Whereas, The Korean War is known as the "Forgotten War," even     though in three years more than 54,000 American soldiers died,     103,284 were wounded in action and 8,177 MIAs are still               unaccounted for; and

Whereas, The viciousness of the fighting is illustrated by the fact that      131 Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded to American        combatants; and

Whereas, Of the 7,000 Americans taken prisoner during the 37     months of the Korean War, 51 percent died in prisoner of war     camps, the highest percentage of any modern war; and

Whereas, Pfc. Joseph C. Sabella, born and raised in North                   Brunswick, was the first soldier from Middlesex County to be killed   in action in Korea; and

Whereas, Joseph C. Sabella served in the New Jersey National     Guard for four years before enlisting in the United States Army and     one year later, on July 18, 1952, at the age of 21 years was killed     in the fierce battle on "Old Baldy"; and

Whereas, Joseph C. Sabella was awarded the Purple Heart                  posthumously; now, therefore,

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

    1. State Highway Route 9 when it passes through Middlesex County shall be designated as the Korean War Memorial Highway/Joseph C. Sabella, Army.

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

    3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

    This joint resolution designates State Highway Route 9 when it passes through Middlesex County as the Korean War Memorial Highway/Joseph C. Sabella, Army. Pfc. Joseph C. Sabella, born and raised in North Brunswick, was the first soldier from Middlesex County to be killed in action in Korea. Pfc. Sabella served in the New Jersey National Guard for four years before enlisting in the United States Army and one year later, on July 18, 1952, at the age of 21 years was killed in the fierce battle on "Old Baldy" and was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously. The bill authorizes the Commissioner of Transportation to erect appropriate signs.

Designates State Highway Route 9 in Middlesex County as Korean War Memorial Highway/Joseph C. Sabella, Army.