TITLE: Paying tribute to Robert E. O'Malley on the occasion of the 2019 Medal of Honor Host City Weekend in Gainesville.

SUMMARY: Paying tribute to Robert E. O'Malley on the occasion of the 2019 Medal of Honor Host City Weekend in Gainesville.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The valiant military service of Robert E. O'Malley is being saluted as part of the 2019 Medal of Honor Host City Weekend in Gainesville; and WHEREAS, Established in 2001, Gainesville's Medal of Honor Host City Program acknowledges the heroism and sacrifice of individuals who have earned the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award for valor; each year, local citizens join together to fund travel costs and other expenses to bring medal recipients to the city for a special series of events; and WHEREAS, Robert O'Malley served during the Vietnam War as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, assigned to Company 1, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division; while he led his squad against an entrenched enemy force, they encountered intense small-arms fire; casting aside all concern for his personal safety, he raced across an open rice paddy, jumped into the enemy trench, and used his rifle and grenades to kill eight attackers; he then led his squad to assist an adjacent unit that was suffering heavy casualties and helped evacuate several wounded marines before returning to the scene of the worst fighting; when he was ordered to an evacuation point, he guided his squad under fire to a helicopter; he was wounded three times but remained in an exposed position to provide cover to others as they boarded, refusing to withdraw until the last of his men were evacuated; and WHEREAS, Demonstrating extraordinary courage in the line of duty, Robert O'Malley fulfilled the highest ideals of the United States armed forces, and he has earned the lasting admiration of a grateful nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby pay tribute to Robert E. O'Malley on the occasion of the 2019 Medal of Honor Host City Weekend in Gainesville and commend him for his exemplary service in the defense of our nation; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. O'Malley as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate. Springer President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 114 was adopted by the House on March 13, 2019, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 114 was adopted by the Senate on March 14, 2019, by a viva-voce vote. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor