TITLE: Honoring Charles C. Stidham of Arlington for his service to the nation during World War II.

SUMMARY: Honoring Charles C. Stidham of Arlington for his service to the nation during World War II.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Charles C. Stidham of Arlington served this country courageously as a private in the United States Army during World War II; and WHEREAS, Born in Rotan on April 24, 1923, Mr. Stidham attended school in Round Rock; he joined the military in June 1942 and drove heavy trucks for the 78th Infantry Lightning Division, Cannon Company, 309th Infantry while stationed in Central Europe, western Germany, and northern France; two years after enlisting, he took part in the Normandy Invasion, which opened the long-awaited "Second Front" against Hitler's forces; and WHEREAS, This patriotic Texan earned his Combat Infantryman Badge and received a number of decorations, including the American Theater Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Victory Ribbon, and Overseas Service Bars; and WHEREAS, Following demobilization at the end of 1944, Mr. Stidham returned to Texas, where he was employed as a truck driver and iron worker; over the years, he also served as a crossing guard at a local school and as a deacon of Bible Baptist Church; and WHEREAS, Mr. Stidham has shared a fulfilling marriage of 68 years with his wife, Helen Rust Stidham, with whom he has seven children; a devoted father, he raised them to have strong Christian values, and today he considers his three sons, Roy, Charles, and Patrick Stidham, and his four daughters, Myrna Baker, Helen Baxter, Janet Auld, and Lura Puryear, to be his greatest accomplishment; in addition, his fine family includes 21 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Charles Stidham exemplifies the valor and resilience of that proud generation of Americans who stepped forward to defend their country during one of its darkest hours, and he has indeed earned the lasting gratitude of his fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby honor Charles C. Stidham for his service to the nation during World War II and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Stidham as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Turner of Tarrant Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2225 was adopted by the House on May 22, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House