H.R. No. 1146 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The heroic military service of Arnold P. Leal 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 Arnold P. Leal served his nation in Vietnam as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, and he was wounded in action on August 11, 1968; and WHEREAS, Mr. Leal 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 Arnold P. Leal 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 Arnold P. Leal 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. Leal as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Herrero ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1146 was adopted by the House on April 6, 2017, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House