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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE HEROISM OF VIETNAM VETERAN HERBERT PARRISH OF AIKEN COUNTY, WHOSE QUICK THINKING AND STEADY ACTIONS REPELLED A KNIFE-WIELDING HOME INVADER AND SAVED HIS WIFE FROM HARM.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to celebrate courageous citizens of this great State who, acting swiftly and effectively in times of crisis, exhibit exceptional heroism. Such a hero is former Marine and Vietnam veteran Herbert Parrish of Aiken County; and
Whereas, on Monday, February 15, 2021, a knock on the back door turned what would have been a typical day for 82-year-old Herbert Parrish and his 79-year-old wife, Lois, into a life-or-death situation. When Lois answered the door, the person on the other side claimed to be looking for a white Chihuahua and asked if the couple had seen it. Lois replied that she had not; and
Whereas, just as Lois started to close the door, the man, identified as 61-year-old Harold Runnels, forced his way inside the home and pulled out a large knife. Herbert felt the attacker was going to kill him and his wife and plunder the home; and
Whereas, that's when Herbert, refusing to go down without a fight, decided to take quick and decisive action against Runnels; and
Whereas, when Runnels used his knife to attack Mrs. Parrish, her husband reached for a shotgun hanging on the wall by the door and then used its barrel to beat the home invader unconscious; and
Whereas, Runnels died at the Augusta University Medical Center later Monday night from the injuries sustained during the attack. Both the Parrishes were also injured amid the deadly incident but are expected to make a full recovery; and
Whereas, the House is deeply grateful for the valor of Herbert Parrish and salutes him for proving afresh the value of the tough training U.S. Marines undergo. Putting his training to use as a civilian on February 15, 2021, Mr. Parrish dealt successfully with present life-threatening danger. Semper Fi, sir! Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the heroism of Vietnam veteran Herbert Parrish of Aiken County, whose quick thinking and steady actions repelled a knife-wielding home invader and saved his wife from harm.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Herbert Parrish.
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