PRO 2019-07 TOWN OF TROPHY CLUB, TEXAS
PROCLAMATION NO. 2019-07
A PROCLAMATION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
TROPHY CLUB, TEXAS, RECOGNIZING MAY 29, 2019 AS BILL
SPLICHAL DAY IN TROPHY CLUB; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, Congressman Michael C. Burgess honored Trophy Club resident
and U.S Army Veteran Bill Splichal at the November 11, 2014 "Salute Our Veterans"
luncheon. Mr. Splichal was one of five individuals who received the 26th Congressional
District Veteran Commendation; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Splichal served in the United States Armed Forces for over 28
dedicated years during World War II and the Korean War. Mr. Splichal grew up in a
musical family and played several instruments, which carried over into his military
service. During war time when American soldiers saw many casualties, endured
personal suffering and witnessed pervasive sadness, Mr. Splichal eased the pain by
providing meaningful music that helped motivate, lift spirits and improve mental clarity
for his fellow soldiers; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Splichal was drafted in 1943 at age 18 and served in World War
II from March 20, 1943 to January 26, 1946. As a Private at Camp Butner, NC,
Company I, 311th Infantry of the 78th Infantry Division for Basic Training, he received
training on the M1 rifle, machine gun, 60MM mortar, bayonet and hand grenades; and
was made active Corporal due to his excellence in weapons training. Cpl. Splichals
dreams of joining the 78th Infantry Division Band came to fruition when assigned to
Camp Kilmer NJ on the USS George O. Squier; and
WHEREAS, i n 1944 Cpl Splichal arrived in Plymouth, England, where all
musical instruments were stored during the war. After many stops, the troops set up
Division Headquarters in Roetgen, Germany. During combat the 78th Infantry Division
Band served as guards in the forward and rear echelon of Division Headquarters Cpl.
Splichals job was to guard the Division Commander, Major General Edwin P. Parker, Jr
as well as to guard a road past the local field hospital. Cpl. Splichal witnessed many
close calls and performed at many special occasions, during World War II including
playing for General George Patton's funeral in Heidelberg, Germany. Corporal Splichal
was discharged from the Army in January 1946; and
WHEREAS, following his time in the Army, Mr. Splichal attended the University
of Nebraska, receiving a Bachelor of Music in Education and a Masters of Music. Mr.
Splichal served in the Nebraska National Guard from May 1948 to September 1971,
where he was a bandmaster for 23 years providing entertainment to troops. After
completing his Master's degree, Mr. Splichal was activated for the Korean War. At the
time his rank was Warrant Officer in the 43rd Army Band. The band was transferred to
Fort Richardson, Alaska as the Alaska Command Band and played many soldier shows,
parades, concerts, dances and USO shows. The band performed with many celebrities,
including Anne Blythe, Buddy Hackett and Ray Milland. Bill returned to Nebraska in
September 1952 and stayed with the 43rd Army Band until September 1971 with a rank
of Chief Warrant Officer 4; and
WHEREAS, Bill Splichal spent forty years working for State Farm Insurance,
from 1956 to 1996. Mr. Splichal and his family moved to Trophy Club, Texas in 2000
after retirement. Once relocated, Mr. Splichal began teaching trumpet lessons at a
music store, his home and at Medlin Middle School. In 2014 Mr. Splichal was the
Honorary Veteran and Grand Marshal of the July 4, 2014 Parade of Patriots in Trophy
Club.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MAYOR C. NICK SANDERS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH
THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF TROPHY CLUB, TEXAS, DO HEREBY
PROCLAIM:
May 29, 2019 as Bill Splichal Day in Trophy Club
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Town Council of the Town of Trophy Club,
Texas, this 14th day of May 2019.
1ROPY
Holly Fimbr: s, Town Sect' :ry 4) eo C. Nick Sanders, Mayor
Town of trophy Club, Te Town of Trophy Club, Texas
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