80R8219 CBE-D
By: Howard of Travis, H.R. No. 656
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The valiant service of the USS Henry A. Wiley (DM 29) is being commemorated with a plaque at the National Museum of the Pacific War on March 17, 2007, and a number of the courageous sailors who served as its crew are gathering for this memorable occasion; and
WHEREAS, Commissioned in 1944, the USS Henry A. Wiley began its illustrious history escorting the USS Texas, USS Missouri, and USS Arkansas on the long journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal; in February 1945, the ship was called into battle for the invasion of Iwo Jima; situated only 400 yards off shore, it fired more than 3,600 rounds and destroyed nine pillboxes in support of marine infantry, including the unit that raised the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi; and
WHEREAS, The ship subsequently proceeded to Okinawa, where it supported minesweeping operations and helped secure Kerama Retto before the U.S. invasion; it then performed radar picket, patrolling, screening, bombardment, and mine removal duties for nearly five months, destroying numerous Japanese aircraft; on May 4, 1945, while going to the aid of the sinking USS Luce DD-522, the Henry A. Wiley came under heavy air attack, and during a furious 15-minute engagement, it downed three kamikazes and two Baka bombs, before playing a significant vote in rescuing survivors of the Luce; and
WHEREAS, Before returning home on January 17, 1946, the USS Henry A. Wiley participated in further minesweeping and mine destruction operations in the East China Sea and off the coasts of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan; and
WHEREAS, The USS Henry A. Wiley earned four battle stars for its participation in the Pacific War, and it was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for heroic service during the battle of Okinawa; in addition, Captain Paul H. Bjarnason, commanding officer of the Henry A. Wiley at Okinawa, was awarded the Navy Cross and the Legion of Merit; the ship was decommissioned in 1947; and
WHEREAS, The USS Henry A. Wiley (DM 29) distinguished itself with might, precision, and tenacity during crucial campaigns of the Pacific War, emerging with minimal damage and no loss of life, and it is indeed fitting to honor this remarkable ship and its brave crew for their exemplary service in behalf of their fellow Americans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas Legislature hereby recognize March 17, 2007, as Henry A. Wiley Day and salute the ship's crew members for their gallantry during World War II.
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