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, re-
tired) 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 estab-
lishment 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’’;
•HCON 364 IH
Whereas Colonel Aaron Bank’s service in the Office of Stra-
tegic Services and his experience leading resistance fight-
ers 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, in-
telligence operations, and the training of indigenous sol-
diers;
Whereas in 1952 the Army created the first permanent spe-
cial 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 com-
manding 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 revolu-
tionize 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-
•HCON 364 IH
tional warfare and to protect the United States from de-
veloping threats: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That Congress—
(1) recognizes the historic significance of the
50th anniversary of the founding of the United
States Army Special Forces;
(2) honors the ‘‘Father of the Special Forces’’,
Colonel Aaron Bank (United States Army, retired)
of Mission Viejo, California, for his role in estab-
lishing the Army Special Forces;
(3) recognizes the sacrifices and accomplish-
ments of Army Special Forces soldiers and of all
other special operations soldiers in the Armed
Forces;
(4) expresses deep gratitude for the continuing
sacrifices of Army Special Forces soldiers and of all
other special operations soldiers in the Armed
Forces now fighting throughout the world in defense
of the freedoms challenged by the heinous events of
September 11, 2001; and
(5) honors the sacrifices made by the special
operations soldiers of the Armed Forces who have
trained hard, served valiantly in battle, and made
the ultimate sacrifice to their country, many times
•HCON 364 IH
in missions so secret that their valor may never be
fully acknowledged.
Æ