SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 267
In Memory
of
James H. Calfee
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of United States Air Force Master Sergeant
James H. Calfee, who died March 11, 1968, while bravely serving
his country in the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, A native of Newgulf, Master Sergeant Calfee was
one of a select number of highly skilled individuals of the 1st
Combat Evaluation Group chosen to staff a top secret radar
installation on a mountaintop in Laos known as Lima Site 85; he
had specifically requested deployment to this dangerous mission
and had to receive a special medical waiver to be able to
participate; and
WHEREAS, The installation soon came under fire from North
Vietnamese troops; Master Sergeant Calfee played an important
role in training the detachment, most of whom were technicians
rather than combat soldiers, in the use of the M-16 rifles they
were supplied; and
WHEREAS, On the morning of March 11, 1968, North Vietnamese
troops launched a concerted attack on the facility; despite being
gravely wounded, Master Sergeant Calfee continued to engage the
enemy, and thanks to his efforts, some of the other men were able
to reach safety; for his valor and his courage under fire, he was
posthumously awarded a Bronze Star with Valor device, which, when
further details of the raid were established, was upgraded to a
Silver Star; and
WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Calfee gave his last full measure
of devotion in service to his country, and he joins the long line
of courageous men and women whose selfless courage and strength
have left an indelible mark on the world; it is truly fitting that
this patriot who fought so bravely in defense of our nation's
safety, security, and ideals be recognized for his heroism and
devotion to duty; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life and legacy of United
States Air Force Master Sergeant James H. Calfee and commemorate
his posthumous receipt of the Silver Star; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of gratitude and appreciation for his
service, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Master Sergeant James H. Calfee.
Hegar
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 6, 2013, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate