RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Harry Smeltzer has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God on September 20, 2014 at the age of 91; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Timothy M. Cullerton; and,
WHERAS, Harry Smeltzer, a native of Manor, Pennsylvania, was born to Harry George Smeltzer and Madelyn Smeltzer on March 23, 1923; and,
WHEREAS, Harry Smeltzer served in the US Navy during World War II as a member of the Catapult Crew aboard the USS Franklin (CV-13), nicknamed "Big Ben," one of twenty-four Essex Class aircraft carriers built during World war II; and,
WHEREAS, In March of 1945, the USS Franklin sustained severe damage from an enemy air attack, which resulted in more than 800 casualties to her crew; and
WHERAS, Seaman Harry Smeltzer was one of the many brave and heroic sailors who were severely wounded as bombs tore into the USS Franklin, the most heavily damaged United States carrier to survive the war; and
WHEREAS, Movie footage of the actual attack on the USS Franklin was included in the 1949 film "Task Force,"starring Gary Cooper; and
WHEREAS, The USS Franklin, known as "the ship that wouldn't die," earned four Battle Stars while serving in several campaigns in the Pacific War; and
WHEREAS, The bravery and dedication of Harry Smeltzer serves as an example to all Americans; and
WHEREAS, Harry Smeltzer will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Harry Smeltzer imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; and
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this eighth day of October, 2014, do hereby commemorate Harry Smeltzer 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 Harry Smeltzer.
Timothy M. Cullerton Alderman - 38th Ward