2005 Assembly Joint Resolution 55
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: honoring the mighty 8th Air Force.
Whereas, the 8th Air Force was formed and dispatched to England in 1942 to become the largest military unit in World War II, and the largest bomber force of all time, with over 350,000 airmen having served in Europe; and
Whereas, the 8th Air Force has continued as an operational combat unit to this day, with over 1,000,000 airmen serving the country in war and in peace; and
Whereas, no mighty 8th Air Force mission was ever turned back due to enemy action; the cost was 26,000 airmen killed in action and over 28,000 prisoners of war; and the number of missing in action and wounded have not been counted; and
Whereas, in the one-week period of October 8 to 14, 1943, the 8th Air Force lost over 150 heavy bombers to enemy action over the skies of Europe, and despite heavy losses many feel that this was the turning point for daylight strategic bombing; and during this week: on October 8, 1943, at Bremen, Germany, 27 bombers and 3 fighters were lost and at Vegesack, Germany, 3 bombers were lost; on October 9, 1943, at Anklam, Germany, 18 bombers were lost, at Marienberg, Upper Prussia, 2 bombers were lost, at Danzig, Poland, 2 bombers were lost, and at Gdynia, Poland, 6 bombers were lost; on October 10, 1943, at Munster, Germany, 30 bombers and 1 fighter were lost; and on October 14, 1943, at Schweinfurt, Germany, 62 bombers and 1 fighter were lost; and
Whereas, the 8th Air Force Historical Society, the largest single military unit veterans group in history, holds its annual reunions in the month of October; and
Whereas, today 20,000 8th Air Force Historical Society members are seeking to inform later generations of the contribution and sacrifice made by our generation to perpetuate America's freedom and way of life; and
Whereas, every year during the week of October 8 to 14, we urge every 8th Air Force Veteran and friend of the 8th Air Force to wear and display items identifying them with the mighty 8th Air Force to honor and remember these veterans, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature commend those who have proudly served our country in the 8th Air Force and hereby proclaim October 8 to 14, 2005, to be mighty 8th Air Force Week; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall transmit a copy of this joint resolution to the 8th Air Force Historical Society.
