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H.C.R. No. 149
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Purple Heart, the world's oldest military
decoration in current use, is bestowed on only those members of the
U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded or killed by an instrument of war
in the hands of the enemy; this symbol of sacrifice in combat was
recently awarded to a World War II veteran from Wichita Falls, James
E. Virdell, nearly six decades after he was injured by German
artillery during an attack on an Italian train depot; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable story of bravery and remembrance
began at the dawn of World War II, when Mr. Virdell, a native of
Crane, volunteered to serve with the United States Army; the young
soldier was assigned to the 36th Infantry Division, known within
military circles as the "Panther Division," a Texas-based outfit
activated in 1940 that over the next five years would engage enemy
troops throughout Italy, Southern France, and the Rhineland; and
WHEREAS, In December 1943, Private First Class Virdell
participated in the Allied attack on a heavily fortified,
German-held mountainside in Italy, an attack that was complicated
greatly by the driving winter rains and slippery terrain; as a
mortarman for the 142nd Infantry Regiment, he was charged with
carrying a massive 89-pound mortar during this operation and, as a
result of injuries suffered during the climb, he was reassigned to
guard a train station; it was while serving at this facility that
Private Virdell was wounded in action; and
WHEREAS, Sustaining extensive damage to his left knee from a
bomb dropped in a German air raid, he completed his five-year tour,
having served his country with honor and distinction, and returned
to the Lone Star State to marry, raise a family, and enjoy life as a
civilian in the peacetime he had worked so very hard to secure; the
extent of Mr. Virdell's personal sacrifice was not formally
recognized for another 59 years, however, until December 19, 2002,
when his family and friends would gather to watch him receive the
Purple Heart award at an official ceremony held at Sheppard Air
Force Base; and
WHEREAS, James Virdell embodies the qualities for which the
"Greatest Generation" has become known, and it is a privilege to
extend to him this tangible symbol of the respect and appreciation
of a grateful state and nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby congratulate James E. Virdell on his receipt of the Purple
Heart decoration and commend him for his meritorious service to the
State of Texas and the United States of America; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Virdell as an expression of highest regard by the
Texas Legislature.
Farabee
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 149 was adopted by the House on
April 10, 2003, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 149 was adopted by the Senate on May
21, 2003, by a viva-voce vote.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
__________________
Governor