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2008 SPECIAL SESSION II
089728220WHEREAS, Robert Lee Johns of Churchville, a respected citizen and an admired veteran of World War II, died on May 13, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Robert “Bob” Johns was born on August 4, 1917, in Terra Alta, West Virginia, the son of Micah and Bessie Ludwick Johns; and
WHEREAS, Bob Johns enlisted in the United States Army in 1940, survived the Bataan Death March, and was captured and held as a prisoner of war in the Philippines, Formosa, and Japan for three and a half years in notorious camps such as Bilibid and Cabanatuan; and
WHEREAS, Bob Johns was among the prisoners who were forced into the cargo hold of the Japanese ocean liner Oryoku Maru, one of the many “hell ships” that were bombarded regularly in Subic Bay near Olongapo, Philippines, by American fighter pilots who were unaware of their fellow Americans onboard enemy vessels; and
WHEREAS, a true American hero, Bob Johns received many medals for his valorous service, including the Presidential Unit Citation, multiple Bronze Star and Purple Heart Awards, the American Defense Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal; he finally returned home to his loved ones in 1945; and
WHEREAS, Bob Johns worked as an engineer for the Atomic Energy Commission in Los Alamos, New Mexico, for 20 years, and later was employed by the American Safety Razor Company for eight years; and
WHEREAS, a tremendous supporter of his country and veterans throughout his life, Bob Johns was a longtime member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion; and
WHEREAS, always willing to help his fellow citizens in need, Bob Johns gave his time and talents to many civic organizations over the years, including service as a member of the local Masonic Lodge and Lions Club; and
WHEREAS, well known as an avid hobbyist, Bob Johns was a steam engine and antique car enthusiast and a collector of Ford Model T automobiles; and
WHEREAS, Bob Johns will be fondly remembered for his zest for life and love of his family and greatly missed by his wife, Jane Simmons Johns; his two daughters, Peggy and Nancy and their wonderful families, including three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and his numerous friends and admirers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly note with great sadness the passing of an American hero and outstanding Virginian, Robert Lee Johns; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Robert Lee Johns as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.