Rep. Elsenheimer offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 353.

A resolution to memorialize the United States Navy to award Corporal Ralph Holewinski the Navy Cross.

Whereas, Since 1919, the Navy Cross has been presented to those individuals displaying extraordinary acts of heroism during times of war.  It is second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor in rank.  It has been presented to over 2,000 seamen from World War II; and

Whereas, Wake Island, in the Second World War, was a strategic location for both American and Japanese forces in the Pacific Ocean; and

Whereas, Corporal Ralph Holewinski was engaged in combat with Japanese forces at the Battle of Wake Island from December 8th through 23rd, 1941; and

Whereas, During the conflict on Wake Island, Navy and Marine forces were severely outmanned and outgunned.  Corporal Holewinski was a part of American forces that were able to repel Japanese warships and withstand numerous air raids by Japanese forces; and

Whereas, Despite great risk to his own life, he was steadfast in his defense of the island, using his rifle on multiple occasions.  On December 23rd, 1941, during an amphibious assault by Japanese forces on the tiny island, Corporal Holewinski, fired a three-inch gun, destroying two Japanese ships with direct hits; and

Whereas, Corporal Holewinski suffered great wounds to his legs and back from machine gun fire and a grenade. He was treated at a Japanese hospital on Wake Island as a Prisoner of War. He remained there for the duration of the war; and

Whereas, Corporal Holewinski’s extreme valor, bravery, and sacrifice, in a time of war, was both vital and inspiring to the people of Otsego County. Upon his return, he served as Otsego County Sheriff for 34 years in his home of Gaylord; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body memorialize the United States Navy to award Corporal Ralph Holewinski the Navy Cross; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of the Navy of the United States and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation, the Otsego County Board of Commissioners, and Corporal Ralph Holewinski.