REFERENCE TITLE: honoring Bushmasters

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fourth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2020

HR 2006

Introduced by

Representative Fernandez: Senator Alston

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the United states army's 1st battalion, 158th infantry regiment bushmasters unit of the arizona army national guard.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Whereas, during World War II, the 158th Infantry Regiment of the Arizona Army National Guard was sent to Panama for jungle training and protection of the Panama Canal Zone.  The regiment adopted the name "Bushmasters" after the venomous pit vipers found in South America; and

Whereas, each combat soldier in the Bushmasters received extensive training in jungle warfare, knife fighting and unarmed hand-to-hand combat techniques; and

Whereas, the Bushmasters became famous for their remarkable combat skills, and General Douglas MacArthur personally requested that the unit be sent to his command in the Southwest Pacific Theater.  He later said of the Bushmasters that "no greater fighting combat team has ever deployed for battle"; and

Whereas, the first Army unit to be sent overseas after Pearl Harbor, the Bushmasters survived a 100-plane raid from the Japanese Air Force at Port Moresby; and

Whereas, when they were deactivated in 1946, the Bushmasters had served continuously in a combat zone longer than any other National Guard unit in history, which is a record that still stands; and

Whereas, reactivated in 1948, the Bushmasters were reorganized and redesignated several times.  In 1967, the last remnants of the 158th Infantry were disbanded and their colors retired; and

Whereas, in 2005, the 1st Battalion, 180th Artillery was deactivated and redesignated the 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, and the Bushmasters were again reborn; and

Whereas, in 2007, the Bushmasters were mobilized and deployed to Afghanistan.  During this deployment, two Bushmasters were killed and others wounded in combat operations; and

Whereas, since the battalion returned in 2008, contingents of Bushmasters have continued to deploy to Afghanistan; and

Whereas, the valor, tenacity and fighting spirit of the Bushmasters continue to strengthen this state and nation, and they are deserving of recognition for their brave efforts in preserving our democracy.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the House of Representatives honor the Bushmasters unit of the Arizona Army National Guard for their dedication, bravery and skill and express sincere gratitude for their continued sacrifices.