SENATE RESOLUTION 35

(By Senators Ferns, Weld, Unger, Stollings, Karnes, Sypolt, Boso, Plymale, Cline, and Rucker)

[Introduced February 9, 2018]

Recognizing the distinguished military service of Brigadier General John C. “Doc” Bahnsen, Jr.

Whereas, Brigadier General John C. “Doc” Bahnsen, Jr., was born in Albany, Georgia, on November 8, 1934; and

Whereas, Brigadier General John C. “Doc” Bahnsen, Jr., was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1956, following his graduation from the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He also earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg State College; and

Whereas, Brigadier General John C. “Doc” Bahnsen, Jr.’s, military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course, the Army Aviation School, the Armor Officer Advanced Course, the Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College; and

Whereas, Brigadier General John C. “Doc” Bahnsen, Jr., commanded an attack helicopter platoon, an air cavalry troop and an armored cavalry squadron during two combat tours in Vietnam; a tank platoon, a tank company, and a tank battalion during two tours in Germany; and the 1st Aviation Brigade at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. Upon selection for Brigadier General, he served as the Assistant Division Commander, 2nd Armored Division, Ft. Hood, Texas, from 1980 to 1982, and as the Chief of Staff, Combined Field Army, Uijongbu, Korea, from 1982 to 1984, and as Chief of Staff, III Corps and Ft. Hood until his retirement in July 1986. Additionally, he was an instructor at the Armor School and held numerous other staff jobs throughout his career; and

Whereas, Brigadier General John C. “Doc” Bahnsen, Jr., is among the 50 Most Highly Decorated U. S. Military Personnel of all time, with individual decorations and awards including: One Distinguished Service Cross; 5 Silver Stars; 4 Legions of Merit; 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses; 4 Bronze Stars (3 with V device for valor); 2 Purple Hearts; 1 Meritorious Service Medal; 51 Air Medals, (3 with V device for valor); 4 Army Commendation Medals, (1 with V device for valor); National Defense Service Ribbon with 1 cluster; Vietnam Campaign Service Medal with 7 clusters; Korea Defense Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 2 attached; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Master Aviator Wings and Parachutist Badge; and General Staff Officer Identification Badge; and

Whereas, Brigadier General John C. “Doc” Bahnsen, Jr., in addition to his individual decorations and awards, has received Unit Awards: Navy Unit Commendation Medal; Army Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Foreign Awards: Two Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry medals (silver and bronze star); Republic of Korea National Order of Security Medal. Honorary Awards: Gold Order of St. George Medallion (Armor Association Award); Order of St. Barbara Medal (Artillery Award); Order of St. Michael (Army Aviation Award); Order of Military Medical Merit (Medical Corps Award); Army Aviation Hall of Fame 2007; Air Force Gathering of Eagles - selected as an Eagle 2014; Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame 2016; West Point Distinguished Graduate 2016; and

Whereas, Brigadier General John C. “Doc” Bahnsen, Jr., is now a retired resident of Hancock County, West Virginia; and

Whereas, On behalf of the citizens of West Virginia, it is fitting and proper that the Senate pay tribute to Brigadier General John C. “Doc” Bahnsen, Jr., a man who has lived by the motto “this we’ll defend” and has fought fiercely for his state and nation, for the cause of our freedom, and for freedom around the world; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby recognizes the distinguished military service of Brigadier General John C. “Doc” Bahnsen, Jr.; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Brigadier General John C. “Doc” Bahnsen, Jr., for his dedicated service to a grateful state and nation; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Brigadier General John C. “Doc” Bahnsen, Jr.