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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The valiant military service of Donald E. Ballard 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 member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, |
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Hospital Corpsman Second Class Ballard risked his life without |
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hesitation to render aid to his comrades; during a North Vietnamese |
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ambush, he moved through enemy fire to tend to a wounded marine; as |
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he and his fellow marines transported the injured man to safety, a |
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concealed enemy soldier threw a hand grenade; HC2c Ballard shouted |
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a warning and threw himself on the grenade to protect his comrades |
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from the blast; fortunately, it failed to detonate, and he was able |
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to resume treating casualties; and |
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WHEREAS, Demonstrating extraordinary courage in the line of |
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duty, Donald Ballard fulfilled the highest ideals of the United |
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States armed forces, and he has earned the lasting admiration of a |
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grateful 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 Donald E. Ballard on the occasion of the 2019 |
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Medal of Honor Host City Weekend in Gainesville and commend him for |
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his exemplary service in the defense of our nation; and, be it |
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further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Ballard as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives and Senate. |