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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The valiant military service of John P. Baca is |
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being saluted as part of the 2019 Medal of Honor Host City Weekend |
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in Gainesville; and |
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WHEREAS, Established in 2001, Gainesville's Medal of Honor |
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Host City Program acknowledges the heroism and sacrifice of |
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individuals who have earned the Medal of Honor, the nation's |
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highest military award for valor; each year, local citizens join |
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together to fund travel costs and other expenses to bring medal |
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recipients to the city for a special series of events; and |
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WHEREAS, A veteran of the United States Army, John Baca |
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served during the Vietnam War as a specialist fourth class with |
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Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division; while |
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on a night ambush mission, he realized that a platoon from his |
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company was under attack, and he led his recoilless rifle team |
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through a hail of enemy fire to come to their aid; a fragmentation |
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grenade was thrown into their midst, and without regard for his own |
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safety, he covered it with his steel helmet and fell on it as it |
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exploded, absorbing the lethal fragments and concussion; his |
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gallant and selfless action saved eight men from certain death or |
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grave injury; and |
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WHEREAS, Demonstrating extraordinary courage in the line of |
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duty, John Baca fulfilled the highest ideals of the United States |
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armed forces, and he has earned the lasting admiration of a grateful |
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nation; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby pay tribute to John P. Baca on the occasion of the 2019 Medal |
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of Honor Host City Weekend in Gainesville and commend him for his |
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exemplary service in the defense of our nation; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Baca as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives and Senate. |