89R10429 TBO-D
By: Vasut H.C.R. No. 49
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to
a close with the passing of decorated Vietnam War veteran Clarence
Eugene Sasser of Sandy Point on May 13, 2024, at the age of 76; and
WHEREAS, The son of Willie Sasser Jr. and Alice Brown,
Clarence Sasser was born in Chenango on September 2, 1947; he was
raised by his mother and stepfather on a farm in Rosharon, where he
grew up with his siblings and stepsiblings; after graduating from
Marshall High School in 1965, he began studying chemistry at the
University of Houston; he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967,
and he served in Vietnam as a medic with the 3rd Battalion, 60th
Infantry, 9th Infantry Division; and
WHEREAS, On January 10, 1968, Private First Class Sasser was
participating in a reconnaissance mission when enemies attacked his
unit, killing more than 30 U.S. service members in the first few
minutes; Private Sasser ran through a hail of bullets to help his
injured comrades, and he continued to provide treatment even after
being severely wounded; once the group had crawled to a safer area,
he tended to the survivors for five hours before they were all
evacuated; he recovered from his injuries in Japan, and he later
accepted an assignment there; along the way, he rose to the rank of
specialist fifth class; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his courageous actions during the
Vietnam War, Specialist Sasser was presented with the Medal of
Honor by President Richard M. Nixon during a White House ceremony on
March 7, 1969; his other military honors included the Distinguished
Service Cross, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal,
Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Sasser returned to civilian life in June 1969
and continued his chemistry studies at Texas A&M University before
accepting a position at a petrochemical refinery near Houston; he
went on to enjoy a rewarding career as a decision review officer
with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Sasser was president of
the Northwest Brazoria County Servicemen's Association and a member
of New St. Philip Missionary Baptist Church; among his many
achievements, he was inducted into the Texas A&M Hall of Honor in
2013 and was awarded an honorary doctor of letters degree from the
university; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Sasser shared a fulfilling marriage with his
wife, Ethel, that spanned many years before her passing, and he took
great pride in their three sons, Benjamin Sasser and Rossano
Dickey, who preceded their father in death, and Billy Sasser; and
WHEREAS, Clarence Sasser exemplified the highest ideals of
the U.S. armed forces, and he leaves behind a record of service to
his country that will continue to inspire all those who knew him;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the life of Clarence Eugene Sasser and extend
heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
Clarence Sasser.