Two Pierce County residents will be posthumously recognized in the Congressional Gold Medal Act recently introduced by U.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R-Pooler and St. Simons Island).
Mildred Davis of Blackshear and Lillie Bell Hollis Spells of Patterson are two local residents who will be memorialized.
The Congressional Gold Medal will recognize fallen patriots who died in the catastrophic explosion of the Thiokol plant in Woodbine Feb. 3, 1971. The plant manufactured trip flares during the Vietnam War. The explosion killed 29 people and injuring 50 others, many of whom were African American women. In a separate tragedy in May 1973, another worker who served two tours in Vietnam died in a mortar shell explosion at the same facility.
The Congressional Gold Medal will be displayed at the Thiokol Museum in Kingsland.
“These 30 men and women were unsung heroes of the Vietnam War, dying in service to their country. The tragedy at Thiokol claimed too many innocent lives too soon, and it is our responsibility to keep their memories alive. By awarding the fallen a Congressional Gold Medal, we are honoring their legacy, thanking them for their patriotic service and remembering those who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms,” said Rep. Carter.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to Congressman Carter for his support in advancing this legislation. Honoring the sacrifices of these patriots ensures that the voices of the fallen, their families and our community are recognized at the highest levels,” said Jannie Everette, CEO/President of the Thiokol Memorial Project.
Everette has worked tirelessly to make sure those who worked — and died — at the plant receive recognition for their service.
Original co-sponsors of this bill include Representatives Rich McCormick (R-GA), Sanford Bishop (D-GA) and Lucy McBath (D-GA).
