SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 818
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Michael E. Thornton for his distinguished service to his
country and for his steadfast support of military veterans; and
WHEREAS, Michael Thornton enlisted in the United States
Navy in 1967; after basic training, he was selected for
specialized training in basic underwater demolition as part of
the navy's elite SEAL forces; and
WHEREAS, Between 1968 and 1973, Petty Officer Thornton
served several tours of duty in the Republic of Vietnam and
Thailand; he was the recipient of numerous awards during his
wartime service, and he was bestowed the Congressional Medal of
Honor for his heroic rescue of fellow Navy SEAL and superior
officer Lieutenant Tom Norris during his final tour in Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, In 1982, Lieutenant Thornton received his
commission as a United States Navy ensign, and he went on to serve
at the Little Creek Amphibious Base in Norfolk, Virginia; in April
of 1990, he reported as Bravo Company commander to coordinate a
rapid response deployment in support of Operation Desert Shield and
Desert Storm; he retired from military service in 1992, after 25
years of outstanding service to his country; and
WHEREAS, On June 8, 2017, at a special event in Dallas,
Mr. Thornton is introducing the book that details the mission and
the courageous rescue of Lieutenant Norris; proceeds from the event
will benefit the Michael E. Thornton Foundation, a nonprofit
organization that provides immediate financial relief to active
and nonactive military members and their families and supports
veterans as they work to transition to civilian life; and
WHEREAS, Michael Thornton is a revered citizen who continues
to work diligently on behalf of his fellow veterans, and he is
indeed deserving of recognition for his patriotism and the
extraordinary courage he demonstrated throughout his military
career; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby commend Michael E. Thornton on his selfless
service to the nation and extend to him best wishes in all his
future endeavors; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Campbell
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 19, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate