79S20487 JNC-D



By:  Merritt                                                      H.R. No. 170







R E S O L U T I O N

	WHEREAS, The year 2005 marks the 40th anniversary of the 

death of U.S. Air Force Major Arthur Dale Baker, a courageous Texan 

who was killed while serving his country in Vietnam; and

	WHEREAS, Major Baker was flying a mission out of Bien Hoa Air 

Base in South Vietnam on April 7, 1965, when the Canberra B-57 he 

navigated was shot down over Laos; for many years his status was 

listed as missing in action; in 1997, the remains of his plane were 

uncovered, and in 2005, the identity of this valiant soldier was 

finally confirmed; and

	WHEREAS, A member of Pittsburg High School's 1951 graduating 

class, Major Baker joined the Air Force in 1960; devoted to his 

family and country, he impressed all who knew him as a man of 

exemplary dedication and courage; and

	WHEREAS, Americans owe an immeasurable debt to their military 

personnel, whose brave and steadfast efforts have long secured this 

nation's treasured freedom; through his dedication to duty, honor, 

and his country, Major Arthur Dale Baker embodied the highest 

ideals of the United States armed forces, and the State of Texas and 

the nation mourn the loss of a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice 

in his country's behalf and whose life was a blessing to all who 

were privileged to share in his love and friendship; now, 

therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 

Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of 

U.S. Air Force Major Arthur Dale Baker; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 

prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas House 

of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of U.S. Air 

Force Major Arthur Dale Baker.