2009 Assembly Joint Resolution 127
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Erwin Bessler.
Whereas, more than 65 years ago, Erwin “Bud" Bessler served the United States military honorably and with great bravery, serving in his youth for America for the freedom of France and its people; and
Whereas, Mr. Bessler enlisted in January 1943 as a Corporal in the 460th Air Force of the 1st Army; and
Whereas, from March 1944 to November 1945 Mr. Bessler participated in the Allied Campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe; and
Whereas, for his achievements, Mr. Bessler was awarded by the U.S. government the Purple Heart Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with one silver star, the Good Conduct Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, three overseas service bars, and the American Theater Ribbon; and
Whereas, thanks to the unshakeable courage of Mr. Bessler and his brothers-in-arms, France was liberated and its people have lived in peace for the past six decades; and
Whereas, to express their eternal gratitude, the government of the French Republic has presented to Mr. Bessler the Knight of the Legion of Honor medal; and
Whereas, created by Napoleon, the Legion of Honor is the highest honor the government of France can bestow upon those who have committed remarkable deeds of valor on behalf of the French people; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
assembly, the senate concurring, That the legislature of Wisconsin honors and remembers the heroic deeds of this their son, Erwin “Bud" Bessler.
