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| February 11, 2009 U.S. Navy Armed Guard Veterans Honored |
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WICHITA FALLS – Congressman Mac Thornberry (TX-13) presented a Congressional Certificate of Appreciation to United States Navy Guard Veterans Jesse Dwain Holmes and John Earl Ryan, Jr. “The Armed Guard was a secret weapon in the Navy during World War II. Brave men like Mr. Holmes and Mr. Ryan protected U.S. Navy merchant ships filled with vital supplies as they crossed the oceans,” Congressman Thornberry said.The U.S. Navy Armed Guard was first organized in World War I after merchant ships began to be attacked while transporting supplies across the ocean. By World War II, the Guard was reinstated, protecting the merchant ships from submarine attack as they crossed the ocean. Of the 144, 970 men in the Armed Guard, none were honored for the service in the years following the war due to the immediate disbanding of the Armed Guard, poorly kept records, and the secrecy surrounding the organization. The Armed Guard has been called the best kept secret of World War II. The National Defense Act of 1999 highlights the veterans’ accomplishments and the key role in that they played in the war. Through this resolution, the Armed Guard Service veterans are now entitled to receive a Congressional Certificate of Appreciation. “This Certificate of Appreciation is a long overdue thank-you to Mr. Holmes and Mr. Ryan, along with the thousands of men who bravely protected our supplies during the war and it’s an honor to have the opportunity to recognize these gentlemen with this award,” Congressman Thornberry concluded. Holmes served in the United States Armed Guard from 1944-1946 as Seaman, First Class. He now resides in Iowa Park. Ryan also served in the Armed Guard from 1944-1946 and resides in Wichita Falls. A photo of Mr. Holmes and Mr. Ryan receiving their certificates from Congressman Thornberry is attached. Photo credit Congressman Thornberry staff photo. |
