SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 140
In Memory
of
Thomas E. Creek
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is proud to pay
tribute to the life and legacy of Thomas E. Creek, who died in the
line of duty on February 13, 1969, while serving the nation in
Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Creek was born April 7, 1950, in Joplin,
Missouri; he grew up in Amarillo and graduated from Palo Duro
High School, where he was a member of the band; and
WHEREAS, He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on
January 16, 1968, and completed his basic training at Camp
Pendleton; he was transferred to Vietnam and was serving as a fire
team leader with the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division
when he valiantly gave his life in service to his country; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Creek's unit came under heavy enemy
fire near the resettlement village of Cam Lo; while moving to a
position from which he could better return fire, he was seriously
wounded and fell into a gully alongside several of his fellow
Marines; when an enemy grenade fell in their midst, Lance Corporal
Creek, without a thought for his own safety, rolled onto the grenade
and absorbed the blast, courageously saving the lives of five
Marines; and
WHEREAS, He was awarded the nation's highest accolade, the
Medal of Honor, for his heroism, and he is Amarillo's only
recipient and the youngest Texan to ever be awarded the medal;
his other medals include the Purple Heart, the National Defense
Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze
stars; it is truly fitting that he be posthumously honored by the
Texas Senate; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life and indomitable
spirit of Thomas E. Creek; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of his heroic service.
Seliger
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 7, 2019, by
a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate