HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 97-4621, by Representatives Buck, Cairnes, Kessler, Sheldon, Doumit, Hatfield, D. Schmidt, Conway and Cody

      WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to honor those who have engaged in heroic acts to assist those facing harm; and

      WHEREAS, Three young Coast Guardsmen lost their lives on February 12, 1997, while attempting to rescue sailors in peril near the mouth of the Quillayute River; and

      WHEREAS, The Coast Guardsmen who perished, along with one surviving Coast Guardsman who also participated in the rescue attempt, set out at 12:35 a.m. in driving rain, twenty-five foot seas, and winds of thirty-five to forty-five knots; and

      WHEREAS, The deceased Coast Guardsmen are Seaman Clinton P. Miniken, 22, of Snohomish, Washington; Petty Officer 2nd Class David A. Bosley, 36, of Coronado, California; and Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew E. Schlimme, 24, of Whitewater, Missouri; and

      WHEREAS, The only surviving member of the rescue team was Seaman Apprentice Benjamin Wingo, 19, of Bremerton, Washington; and

      WHEREAS, Each of these men risked their lives to rescue sailors who were in peril, demonstrating courage, braving treacherous conditions, and epitomizing the commitment to duty that the Coast Guard is so well known for;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives extend its sincere appreciation to the Coast Guard for its ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of maritime activities on Washington waters; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and honor each member of the Coast Guard rescue crew that voluntarily and courageously entered into harm's way to assist those in danger, and extend its sincere condolences to each of the surviving family members; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Rear Admiral J. David Spade, 13th Coast Guard District Commander, Seaman Apprentice Benjamin Wingo, and to the surviving families of Seaman Clinton P. Miniken, Petty Officer 2nd Class David A. Bosley, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew E. Schlimme.

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

      Resolution 4621 adopted by the House of Representatives

                        February 14, 1997.

                 ________________________________

                  Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk