HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 91-4660, by Representatives Wood, R. King, Haugen, May, Horn, Beck, Cantwell, Ferguson, Paris, Van Luven, Scott, Sprenkle, Wynne and Wilson

     WHEREAS, The recent events in the Persian Gulf have caused us once again to reflect upon the sacrifices made by members of our armed services in defending our freedom and liberty; and

     WHEREAS, It is appropriate that we recognize and honor acts of bravery and courage and show our gratitude for acts of personal sacrifice when such acts are brought to our attention; and

     WHEREAS, "Exercise Tiger," one of World War II's most tragic and forgotten naval battles, was until recently shrouded in military secrecy.  In the early morning hours of April 28, 1944, an unescorted and minimally prepared group of LST's were unexpectedly overwhelmed by an attack of German torpedo boats in the English Channel.  A practice mission for the D-Day Invasion of the Normandy coast, "Exercise Tiger" resulted in the loss of five hundred fifty-one American soldiers and one hundred ninety-eight American sailors; and

     WHEREAS, Coxswain Joseph E. "Eddie" McCann, Jr. of Everett, Washington, at the age of fifteen, in command of a thirty-six foot landing craft performed acts of bravery and courage as a member of the combat crew of the USS Caddo Parish, LST 515, when under the leadership of the captain, Lt. John H. Doyle, LST 515 returned to the combat zone and rescued more than one hundred survivors; and

     WHEREAS, Lt. Roger P. Shaeffer of Bellevue, Washington, a member of the crew of LST 289, was severely wounded in this same action;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize and pay tribute to the memory of the bravery, courage, and sacrifice of the many American soldiers and sailors who served in Exercise Tiger; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Joseph E. McCann, Jr. and Roger P. Shaeffer.

     I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

    Resolution 4660  adopted by the House of Representatives

                         April 10, 1991.