86R15353 JGH-D
By: Springer H.C.R. No. 111
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The valiant military service of Michael Edwin
Thornton 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. Navy Petty Officer Michael Thornton earned his
Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War, when he was one of two U.S.
Navy advisors to a three-man Vietnamese Navy SEAL team during a raid
on an enemy base along a river; after the senior U.S. Navy advisor
was badly wounded, PO Thornton returned to him under heavy fire,
killed two enemy soldiers, and dragged his comrade to the river,
where he then inflated the wounded man's life jacket and towed him
through the water for two hours until they were rescued; and
WHEREAS, Demonstrating extraordinary courage in the line of
duty, Michael Edwin Thornton 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 Michael Edwin Thornton 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. Thornton as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives and Senate.