EXECUTIVE ORDER

BY THE GOVERNOR:

WHEREAS:
WHEREAS:

WHEREAS:

WHEREAS:

WHEREAS:

ORDERED:

FLAGS ON STATE BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

ORDERED LOWERED TO HALF STAFF

Retired Army Colonel Benjamin Harrison Purcell, Jr., of
Clarkesville, Georgia, died Tuesday, April 2, 2013; and

After serving a combat tour in Korea, Col. Purcell
volunteered for a tour in Vietnam; and

When, in early 1968, the helicopter he was riding in was shot
down near Quang Tri City, Col. Purcell became the highest
ranking Army POW during the Vietnam War; and

Col. Purcell spent much of his time in captivity in solitaiy
confinement, enduring starvation and beatings. He was
finally released two months after the Signing of the Paris
Peace Accords, reuniting with his family in March 1973 ; and

It is fitting and proper to‘ recognize Col. Pu1'cell’s bravery,
service and sacrifice.

NOW, THEREFORE, IN HONOR AND AS A MARK OF RESPECT
FOR THE MEMORY OF COLONEL BENJAMIN PURCELL,
PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR
OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, r1‘ IS HEREBY

That the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of
Georgia be flown at half—staff on the State Capitol building
and grounds and state buildings and grounds in Habersham
and Lumpkin Counties from sunrise on April 6, 2013, the
day of his funeral, until Monday, April 8, 2013, at sunset.

This 5-Ha day Of April, 2013.

Y\oI0\M\D&a£. ,

GOVERNOR