85R17977(12) KSM/JGH-D By: Herrero H.R. No. 1141 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The heroic military service of Dan McLaughlin was recognized by Alaniz-Valentine Chapter 598 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart at a ceremony aboard the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi on February 28, 2017; and WHEREAS, One of our nation's highest military commendations, the Purple Heart is awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who have been wounded or killed in combat; the Military Order of the Purple Heart is a veterans organization founded in 1932 that draws its membership from individuals who have received the medal; and WHEREAS, Purple Heart recipient Dan McLaughlin served his nation in Vietnam as a member of the U.S. Army, and he was wounded in action on May 11, 1965; and WHEREAS, Mr. McLaughlin was one of 16 living Purple Heart recipients who were recognized at the ceremony in Corpus Christi, along with two others who lost their lives in the line of duty; among those paying tribute to the honorees were Brigadier General James Mobley, Vietnam veteran J. R. Pena, and the color guard of the W. B. Ray High School Naval Junior ROTC; and WHEREAS, Americans owe a profound debt of gratitude to Dan McLaughlin for putting himself in harm's way to defend our freedom, and his selfless efforts are a source of inspiration for all who know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby honor Dan McLaughlin on the occasion of his recognition by Alaniz-Valentine Chapter 598 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and commend him for his sacrifice in behalf of our nation; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. McLaughlin as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.