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                                                                  H.R. No. 1441



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded by the 
United States of America to members of the armed forces who have 
demonstrated heroism or extraordinary achievement while 
participating in an aerial flight, involving an accomplishment so 
exceptional and so outstanding as to clearly set the individual 
apart from others operating in similar circumstances; this military 
decoration is reserved for only the most elite men and women in 
uniform, and the Lone Star State is privileged to be the home state 
of one such recipient of the medal, Captain Nathan Howard of the 
United States Air Force; and
	WHEREAS, Captain Howard, a member of the 1991 class of Round 
Rock High School and a graduate of Texas A&M University, is the son 
of Lois Howard and retired Air Force pilot Lieutenant Colonel J. 
Robert Howard; on the night of April 7, 2003, over the skies of 
northern Iraq, he piloted his KC-135 tanker deep into enemy 
territory to refuel fighter planes that were conducting, with 
critically low fuel supplies, a combat search-and-rescue mission 
(CSAR) for a downed F-15; even when not performed under such dire 
combat conditions, the act of mid-air refueling is considered 
exceptionally dangerous, and it was only the skill and bravery of 
Captain Howard and his fellow crew members that enabled the fighter 
planes to return to base unscathed; and
	WHEREAS, This remarkable record of military valor has earned 
Captain Howard the eternal and profound gratitude of his fellow 
Americans, and it is a distinct honor to pay tribute to a man of such 
singular courage and conviction; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend Round Rock native Captain Nathan Howard, 
recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, for his exemplary 
achievements in the meritorious service of his country; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Captain Howard as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                          Gattis

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 1441 was adopted by the House on May 
30, 2003, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House