LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Sergeant Major William J. Webb for his
distinguished military service as a member of the 555th Infantry Battal-
ion and his many contributions to the United States of America

WHEREAS, Members of the United States Armed Forces, who served so faith-
fully and courageously in wars in which our Nation's freedom was at
stake, as well as in the preservation of peace, deserve the highest
commendation of this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals of remarkable courage and strength of charac-
ter who risked their own lives for others, and stood with fortitude for
freedom and humanity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Sergeant Major William J. Webb for his distinguished military service
and contributions to the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Major William J. Webb was born in Buffalo, New York,
in June of 1925; at the age of 16, he enlisted in the United States
Army, changing his age to 18 to be eligible for service to his country
during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Major William J. Webb began his tour of duty as part
of the 520th Truck Regiment transporting ammunition, fuel, and food
supplies to the front; these shipments were instrumental in the allied
advance through western Europe in 1944; and
WHEREAS, After the Battle of the Bulge, Sergeant Major William J. Webb
was invited to join the first all-Black parachute unit, the 555th Infan-
try Battalion, also known as the "Triple Nickles"; he successfully
completed training in the United States and joined this illustrious
fellowship; and
WHEREAS, The 555th Triple Nickles Infantry Battalion served in more
airborne operations during both war and peacetime than any other group
in the history of the United States; they especially were noted for
bravely jumping into the burning forests of the American northwest on
missions to search for Japanese balloon bombs; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Major William J. Webb became a valued member of this
courageous and highly decorated airborne unit; his contributions exem-
plifying his bravery and devotion to his country; and
WHEREAS, The 555th Triple Nickles Infantry Battalion was disbanded in
1950, as segregation was ending, due in great part to their efforts;
members of the unit continued to serve their country in the Korean War
and beyond, their place in history secured; and
WHEREAS, Retiring from the military in 1974, after 32 years of honor-
able service, Sergeant Major William J. Webb is justly deserving of
praise for the bravery, professionalism, and selflessness he displayed
in service to his Nation; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved with great respect and rever-
ent esteem to renew its tribute to this remarkable man who so coura-
geously served his State and Nation in defense of freedom and democracy;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Sergeant Major William J. Webb for his distinguished military
service as a member of the 555th Infantry Battalion and his many
contributions to the United States of America; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sergeant Major William J. Webb.