Record #: R2015-744   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 9/24/2015 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 9/24/2015
Title: Tribute to late Ben Kuroki
Sponsors: Burke, Edward M.
Attachments: 1. R2015-744.pdf

RESOLUTION

 

 

WHEREAS, Ben Kuroki has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 98; and

 

WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and

 

WHEREAS, Ben Kuroki was a decorated World War II hero and the loving husband of Shige; and

 

WHEREAS, Ben Kuroki was the much-adored father of Julie, Kerry and Kristyn, the grandfather of four and the great-grandfather of one to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and

 

WHEREAS, Ben Kuroki was the dear brother of Rosemary; and

 

WHEREAS, Born in Nebraska to Japanese immigrant parents, Ben Kuroki enlisted in the military after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor; and

 

WHEREAS, A member of our "Greatest Generation," Ben Kuroki joined the 93rd Bomber Group as a tail-gunner and flew 58 bombing missions over Europe, North Africa and Japan, including raids on Tokyo; and

 

WHEREAS, Ben Kuroki was a survivor of the costly raid on the Nazi-held Ploesti oilfields in Romania that killed 310 flyers in his group; and

 

WHEREAS, While U.S. Army Air Forces policy allowed bomber crews who survived 25 missions to return home, Ben Kuroki stayed on to prove his loyalty; and

 

WHEREAS, Following the war, Ben Kuroki graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska and worked at newspapers in Nebraska, Michigan and California; and

 

WHEREAS, Ben Kuroki was a recipient of two Distinguished Flying Crosses, an Air Medal with four oakleaf clusters and the Distinguished Service Medal; and

 

WHEREAS, The patriotism, bravery and dedication of Ben Kuroki serve as an example to all; and

 

 

WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Ben Kuroki to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and

 

WHEREAS, Ben Kuroki will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and

 

WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Ben Kuroki imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore

 

BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this twenty-fourth day of September 2015, do hereby commemorate Ben Kuroki for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of BemKuroki.