H.C.R. No. 102
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The valiant military service of Gary George Wetzel
is being saluted as part of the 2019 Medal of Honor Host City
Weekend in Gainesville; and
WHEREAS, Established in 2001, Gainesville's Medal of Honor
Host City Program acknowledges the heroism and sacrifice of
individuals who have earned the Medal of Honor, the nation's
highest military award for valor; each year, local citizens join
together to fund travel costs and other expenses to bring medal
recipients to the city for a special series of events; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Army Specialist Fourth Class Gary George Wetzel
received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War;
on January 8, 1968, his unit, the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company,
11th Combat Aviation Battalion, became trapped in a landing zone;
his helicopter was disabled by a rocket-propelled grenade, and two
crewmembers were killed by enemy fire; this gallant soldier left
his post as a door gunner to provide aid to his aircraft commander
when another explosion shredded his arm and hurled him into a rice
paddy; despite his horrific injuries, he staggered back to his
machine gun and opened fire on the enemy, eliminating an automatic
weapons emplacement that had been inflicting heavy casualties on
the American forces; he then helped drag his wounded comrades to
safety, even though he repeatedly lost consciousness due to a loss
of blood; and
WHEREAS, Demonstrating extraordinary courage in the line of
duty, Gary Wetzel fulfilled the highest ideals of the United States
armed forces, and he has earned the lasting admiration of a grateful
nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to Gary George Wetzel on the occasion of the 2019
Medal of Honor Host City Weekend in Gainesville and commend him for
his exemplary service in the defense of our nation; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Wetzel as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives and Senate.
Springer
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 102 was adopted by the House on
March 13, 2019, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 102 was adopted by the Senate on
March 14, 2019, by a viva-voce vote.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
__________________
Governor