Washington State Senate to honor World War II hero Chris Navarre on Tuesday

April 9, 2007

OLYMPIA…The Washington State Senate will read a resolution Tuesday to honor Word War II veteran Chris Navarre, who lives at Patriot’s Landing in DuPont.

Navarre, who served with the Army’s 761st Black Panther Tank Battalion as a gunner, will also be presented with an award by San Francisco’s French Consul General Frédéric Desagneaux, naming Navarre a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor for his heroic efforts during the war.  In addition, U.S. Army Col. Scott Halasz will award Navarre with a certificate, a letter from the Army chief of staff and the secretary of the Army, and an Army pin for his courage, valor, and selfless service to this country and the state of Washington.

Navarre, an African-American, was awarded a Purple Heart and the Silver Star in 1997 after a 52-year delay due to the segregation policy of the military at the time.  During WW II, the 761st spearheaded several attacks allowing Gen. George Patton’s 4th Armored Division to drive forward into Germany.

The resolution will be read on the floor of the Senate between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., and first gentleman Mike Gregoire will speak to the occasion from the Senate Rostrum.  Following the resolution is a reception in the historic and beautifully adorned State Reception Room of the Legislative Building.

WHEN:     Tuesday, April 10, 2007 – 10 a.m.

WHERE:  Resolution to be read on the Senate floor of the Legislative Building between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.  Reception to follow in the State Reception Room, third floor of the Legislative Building, at 11 a.m.

WHO:       - Chris Navarre, honoree, and friends and family
- Sen. Mike Carrell, 28th Legislative District
- First gentleman Mike Gregoire
- French Consul General Frédéric Desagneaux
- Col. Scott Halasz, 6th Military Police and Criminal Investigation Team
- Military dignitaries and officials
- Representatives of various military and veteran organizations

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Sen. Mike Carrell represents the 28th Legislative District, which includes Lakewood, Steilacoom, University Place, DuPont, Fircrest, and parts of Tacoma, Fort Lewis, and McChord Air Force Base.

For more information contact Erich R. Ebel
at (360) 786-7395