86R15352 CW-D
By: Fallon S.C.R. No. 48
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The valiant military service of Michael John
Fitzmaurice 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, A veteran of the U.S. Army, Michael Fitzmaurice
served during the Vietnam War as a specialist fourth class with
Troop D, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne
Division; while he was fighting at Khe Sanh, enemy combatants threw
explosive charges into his bunker; without regard for his own
safety, he hurled two of the charges out of the bunker and threw
himself and his flak vest over the remaining charge, shielding
three fellow soldiers from the blast; though seriously wounded and
experiencing partial vision loss, he charged out of the bunker and
engaged in hand-to-hand combat, selflessly continuing to protect
his comrades and refusing medical evacuation; and
WHEREAS, Demonstrating extraordinary courage in the line of
duty, Michael Fitzmaurice 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 John Fitzmaurice 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. Fitzmaurice as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives and Senate.