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2012 SESSION
WHEREAS, Colonel William Howard Dabney, USMC (Ret.), a distinguished United States Marine Corps veteran whose illustrious career serving the country spanned 37 years, died on February 15, 2012; and
WHEREAS, a native of Canada raised in Panama and Tidewater, Virginia, William Dabney graduated from Christchurch School in Middlesex County and spent a year at Yale University before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, William Dabney returned to his studies at Virginia Military Institute (VMI), graduating with the class of 1961 and marrying Virginia Puller, daughter of famed Marine Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller, that same year; and
WHEREAS, an admired officer, William Dabney served two tours in Vietnam, earning the Navy Cross for his extraordinarily heroic actions and courageous leadership under fire as commander of India Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines, on Hill 881S during the Battle of Khe Sanh; and
WHEREAS, after being cut off and surrounded by the North Vietnamese Army, William Dabney led India Company during a 77-day siege in which the company came under fire and could only receive supplies by helicopters; and
WHEREAS, William Dabney repeatedly put himself in harm’s way to direct personnel and carry wounded Marines to the helicopters for evacuation and, despite extreme deprivation and a casualty rate close to 100 percent, evidenced an “indomitable spirit that was truly an inspiration to his troops”; and
WHEREAS, William Dabney concluded his remarkable career at his alma mater, serving as commanding officer of the Naval ROTC Unit and later as Commandant of the VMI Corps of Cadets; and
WHEREAS, William Dabney’s military career was marked by fierce loyalty to his soldiers and undying love of his country and his name will live on in the annals of military history for his distinguished service for which he earned the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, two Vietnamese Crosses, and the Navy Cross; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by his infant daughter, Anne, and son, William, William Dabney will be greatly missed by his wife of 50 years, Virginia; surviving children, Lewis and Virginia, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and admirers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of a courageous and patriotic Virginian, Colonel William Howard Dabney, USMC (Ret.); and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Colonel William Howard Dabney, USMC (Ret.), as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for his memory.