84R27593 JGH-D
By: Campbell S.C.R. No. 43
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 U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Matthew
E. Mendoza proved himself a deserving recipient of this prestigious
honor; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 22, 1984, Matthew Mendoza grew up
playing football and became a popular athlete at Highlands High
School, where he was a linebacker and running back for the football
team; he also enjoyed coaching in the local Pop Warner league; and
WHEREAS, In 2004, Mr. Mendoza answered his nation's call to
duty during time of war and became the third generation of his
family to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps; he completed two tours of
duty in Iraq before shipping out to Afghanistan in 2008 with the 2nd
Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine
Expeditionary Force, out of Twentynine Palms, California, in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS, Appointed squad leader for 1st Platoon, Company E,
on April 8, 2008, Sergeant Mendoza led more than 40 combat patrols
in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province, one of the most
dangerous regions in Afghanistan; as the leader of his unit's
advance party, he dedicated countless hours to evaluating the
platoon's area of operations, to ensure that his fellow marines
would understand the battlefield; and
WHEREAS, On June 19, 2008, Sergeant Mendoza and his squad
were conducting a mounted patrol along Highway 1 when they came
under small arms fire; he and his men left their vehicle and engaged
the enemy, eliminating the threat and preventing any casualties
among the coalition forces and the surrounding civilian population;
and
WHEREAS, The following day, Sergeant Mendoza ordered some of
his squad to remain behind in the staging area while he, his Afghan
interpreter, and three other men advanced on foot through difficult
terrain that would not accommodate their vehicle; a few moments
later, the sergeant and his interpreter were killed by a suicide
bomber, and the other three men were injured; by putting himself in
the lead, he once again prevented the enemy from killing more
American soldiers; and
WHEREAS, Admired by his men for always leading from the
front, Matthew Mendoza repeatedly risked his life to protect the
lives of his fellow marines; for his actions on June 19, he was
posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout his military career, Matthew Mendoza
embodied the highest traditions of the Marine Corps with his
initiative, perseverance, and devotion to duty, and for his
conspicuous bravery and his final sacrifice, he is truly deserving
of this state's supreme military award; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby direct the governor of the State of Texas to posthumously
award the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to Matthew E. Mendoza in
recognition of his valiant service during Operation Enduring
Freedom.