89R29115 CW-D     By: Shofner H.C.R. No. 146       CONCURRENT RESOLUTION          WHEREAS, The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor was established   to recognize gallant and intrepid service by a member of the state   or federal military forces, and it is fitting that U.S. Army veteran   Rickey Dudley Wittner be awarded this prestigious honor; and          WHEREAS, A native of Houston, Rickey Wittner enlisted in the   U.S. Army in August 1969 and underwent helicopter training at Fort   Eustis, Virginia, before beginning his service in the Vietnam War   with the U.S. Army 242nd Assault Support Helicopter Company, 269th   Aviation Battalion; and          WHEREAS, On July 10, 1970, Specialist Fourth Class Wittner   was serving as crew chief on a helicopter that was resupplying river   patrol boats near Dau Tieng, Vietnam; the aircraft was struck by   heavy enemy fire, and the subsequent crash and explosion seriously   injured all passengers on board, with Specialist Wittner being   thrown from the helicopter; without regard for his own safety, he   repeatedly entered the flaming wreckage to rescue those trapped   inside; demonstrating remarkable bravery, he sustained severe   burns on his hands while extinguishing flames on the clothing of   those he rescued, and his efforts ultimately helped save the lives   of 12 people; and          WHEREAS, In recognition of his actions that day, Specialist   Wittner was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism; he also   received the Purple Heart and the Air Medal; following the   completion of his active-duty army service in 1975 at the rank of   Specialist Fifth Class, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve,   transferring to the Texas Army National Guard headquarters company   in Marshall as a member of the 5th Battalion, 112th Armor; in 1987,   he was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant; and          WHEREAS, Rickey Wittner distinguished himself through his   acts of extraordinary courage, patriotism, and selflessness in the   Vietnam War, and it is indeed fitting that he be honored with the   highest military award conferred by the State of Texas; now,   therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas   hereby direct the governor of the State of Texas to award the Texas   Legislative Medal of Honor to U.S. Army veteran Rickey Dudley   Wittner in recognition of his valiant military service.