Directing the governor of the State of Texas to award the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to U.S. Army veteran Rickey Dudley Wittner.

89(R) HCR 146 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

H.C.R. No. 146

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor was established

to recognize gallant and intrepid service by a member of the state

or federal military forces, and it is fitting that U.S. Army veteran

Rickey Dudley Wittner be awarded this prestigious honor; and

WHEREAS, A native of Houston, Rickey Wittner enlisted in the

U.S. Army in August 1969 and underwent helicopter training at Fort

Eustis, Virginia, before beginning his service in the Vietnam War

with the U.S. Army 242nd Assault Support Helicopter Company, 269th

Aviation Battalion; and

WHEREAS, On July 10, 1970, Specialist Fourth Class Wittner

was serving as crew chief on a helicopter that was resupplying river

patrol boats near Dau Tieng, Vietnam; the aircraft was struck by

heavy enemy fire, and the subsequent crash and explosion seriously

injured all passengers on board, with Specialist Wittner being

thrown from the helicopter; without regard for his own safety, he

repeatedly entered the flaming wreckage to rescue those trapped

inside; demonstrating remarkable bravery, he sustained severe

burns on his hands while extinguishing flames on the clothing of

those he rescued, and his efforts ultimately helped save the lives

of 12 people; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his actions that day, Specialist

Wittner was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism; he also

received the Purple Heart and the Air Medal; following the

completion of his active-duty army service in 1975 at the rank of

Specialist Fifth Class, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve,

transferring to the Texas Army National Guard headquarters company

in Marshall as a member of the 5th Battalion, 112th Armor; in 1987,

he was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant; and

WHEREAS, Rickey Wittner distinguished himself through his

acts of extraordinary courage, patriotism, and selflessness in the

Vietnam War, and it is indeed fitting that he be honored with the

highest military award conferred by the State of Texas; now,

therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas

hereby direct the governor of the State of Texas to award the Texas

Legislative Medal of Honor to U.S. Army veteran Rickey Dudley

Wittner in recognition of his valiant military service.

Shofner

______________________________

______________________________

President of the Senate

Speaker of the House

I certify that H.C.R. No. 146 was adopted by the House on May

28, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 127, Nays 0, 2 present, not

voting.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House

I certify that H.C.R. No. 146 was adopted by the Senate on

June 1, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

______________________________

Secretary of the Senate

APPROVED: __________________

Date

__________________

Governor