89R13702 CW-D
By: Harris H.R. No. 229
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The life of a decorated Vietnam War hero drew to a
close with the passing of U.S. Army Captain Curtis Wayne Fitzgerald
of Palestine on February 4, 2025, at the age of 77; and
WHEREAS, A native of Palestine, Curtis Fitzgerald was born on
March 23, 1947, and he graduated from Palestine High School; and
WHEREAS, In 1969, Mr. Fitzgerald began six years of active
duty with the U.S. Army in Vietnam; piloting Bell UH-1 "Huey"
aircraft for the 189th Assault Helicopter Company "Ghost Riders,"
he took part in a number of major operations; during the Battle of
Hamburger Hill, he flew multiple resupply missions, and in the
Siege of Ben Het, he completed a supply run after his helicopter
sustained heavy gunfire; he went on to serve as the air mission
commander for the initial invasion of Cambodia, and during
long-range reconnaissance patrols into Cambodia and Laos, he
identified enemy positions before returning his damaged aircraft to
safety; ultimately rising to the rank of captain, he flew 1,600
hours in combat and was shot down six times; subsequently, he
volunteered for another six-month tenure in support of incoming
units; and
WHEREAS, For his remarkable courage, Captain Fitzgerald was
awarded the Silver Star, 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 3 Bronze
Star Medals, 19 Air Medals, and the Purple Heart; he was later
honored by U.S. Representative Jeb Hensarling, who entered a
statement of recognition into the Congressional Record in May 2008;
and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Captain Fitzgerald lent his time and
expertise to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans
service organizations, and area post-traumatic stress disorder
support groups; he also served his community in a number of
leadership roles and founded the Anderson County Soccer
Association; a University of Houston graduate, he established and
operated a real estate firm specializing in farm and ranch sales;
and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Captain Fitzgerald enjoyed the
love and support of his wife, Sandra, his son, Curtis, his
daughter-in-law, Stefani, and his grandchildren, Stone and Curtis;
and
WHEREAS, Curtis Fitzgerald lived a rich and purposeful life,
and he leaves behind a legacy of service to his country and his
community that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of
knowing him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of U.S. Army Captain
Curtis Wayne Fitzgerald and extend deepest condolences to his
relatives and friends; 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 adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Curtis
Fitzgerald.