IV

107TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION H. CON. RES. 364

Recognizing the historic significance of the 50th anniversary of the founding

of the United States Army Special Forces and honoring the ‘‘Father

of the Special Forces’’, Colonel Aaron Bank (United States Army, retired) of Mission Viejo, California, for his role in establishing the Army

Special Forces.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MARCH 20, 2002

Mr. COX submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to

the Committee on Armed Services

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Recognizing the historic significance of the 50th anniversary

of the founding of the United States Army Special

Forces and honoring the ‘‘Father of the Special Forces’’,

Colonel Aaron Bank (United States Army, retired) of

Mission Viejo, California, for his role in establishing the

Army Special Forces.

Whereas June 20, 2002, is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the first permanent special operations force

of the Armed Forces;

Whereas the first such special operations force was created

in response to the advocacy of Colonel Aaron Bank

(United States Army, retired), known as the ‘‘Father of

the Special Forces’’;
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Whereas Colonel Aaron Bank’s service in the Office of Strategic Services and his experience leading resistance fighters against Nazi Germany convinced him of the need for

permanent, elite units in the Armed Forces that would

specialize in small unit and counterinsurgency tactics, intelligence operations, and the training of indigenous soldiers;

Whereas in 1952 the Army created the first permanent special operations force, the 10th Special Forces Group, at

Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the soldiers of which were

known for their distinctive green berets;

Whereas Colonel Aaron Bank was assigned as the first commanding officer of the 10th Special Forces Group;

Whereas the success of the Army Special Forces encouraged

the creation of permanent special operations forces in the

Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps;

Whereas these special operations forces have helped revolutionize the conduct of modern warfare;

Whereas special operations soldiers have served with bravery

and distinction in every major military conflict in which

the United States has been involved in the last 50 years

and in innumerable covert operations;

Whereas special operations soldiers are sometimes called

upon to conduct missions so secret that their bravery

cannot be fully recognized;

Whereas special operations soldiers are playing a critical role

in the war against terrorism; and

Whereas thanks to Colonel Aaron Bank and the thousands of

special operations soldiers who have followed him, the

Armed Forces are better prepared to conduct unconven-
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tional warfare and to protect the United States from developing threats: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate

2 concurring), That Congress—

3 (1) recognizes the historic significance of the

4 50th anniversary of the founding of the United

5 States Army Special Forces;

6 (2) honors the ‘‘Father of the Special Forces’’,

7 Colonel Aaron Bank (United States Army, retired)

8 of Mission Viejo, California, for his role in estab9 lishing the Army Special Forces;

10 (3) recognizes the sacrifices and accomplish11 ments of Army Special Forces soldiers and of all

12 other special operations soldiers in the Armed

13 Forces;

14 (4) expresses deep gratitude for the continuing

15 sacrifices of Army Special Forces soldiers and of all

16 other special operations soldiers in the Armed

17 Forces now fighting throughout the world in defense

18 of the freedoms challenged by the heinous events of

19 September 11, 2001; and

20 (5) honors the sacrifices made by the special

21 operations soldiers of the Armed Forces who have

22 trained hard, served valiantly in battle, and made

23 the ultimate sacrifice to their country, many times
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1 in missions so secret that their valor may never be

2 fully acknowledged.

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