SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 813

	WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Lance C. Wade of Reklaw 
demonstrated extraordinary courage in his service to his country 
during World War II; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Broaddus in 1915, Colonel Wade joined 
Britain's Royal Air Force before the United States had officially 
entered the war; the State of Texas provided more volunteers for 
the Royal Air Force than any other state, and in less than three 
years, Colonel Wade climbed the ranks of the British military to 
achieve the status of wing commander; he eventually became the 
top American fighter pilot, flying Hurricanes and Spitfires in 
the North African campaign and achieving 25 victories, an 
unprecedented number for an American fighter ace serving 
exclusively in a foreign air force; and
	WHEREAS, For his outstanding service, Colonel Wade was 
honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross with two bars, 
representing three awards, and a Distinguished Service Order; and
	WHEREAS, From a farm in East Texas, where he was raised, to 
a meeting with President Franklin D. Roosevelt and a tea with 
King George VI, Colonel Wade aptly described his fortuitous path 
when he said, "Before the Royal Air Force, my life consisted of 
surveying land from the backside of a mule. Now I have had tea 
with the King of England and his family."; and
	WHEREAS, Colonel Wade's family and friends mourned his 
passing on January 12, 1944, while serving his country in Foggia, 
Italy, but they took comfort in knowing that he lived a fulfilling
life, dedicated to patriotism and freedom; this distinguished 
fighter ace represented the essential relationship between 
Britain and the United States during World War II, and it is a 
pleasure to recognize his admirable achievements; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of
Lieutenant Colonel Lance C. Wade, who was a true American hero, 
and extend to his descendants deepest gratitude for his valiant 
service on behalf of his country.
                                                                       Wentworth




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 9, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate