TITLE: Directing the governor of the State of Texas to posthumously award the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Sergeant Major Jerry L. Bell.

SUMMARY: Directing the governor of the State of Texas to posthumously award the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Sergeant Major Jerry L. Bell.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor was established to recognize gallant and intrepid service by a member of the state or federal military forces, and U.S. Army Sergeant Major Jerry L. Bell of Leon County proved himself a deserving recipient of this prestigious commendation through his heroic actions during the Vietnam War; and WHEREAS, A native of Leon County and a fourth generation Texan, Jerry Lynn Bell enlisted in the U.S. Army in Houston; after distinguishing himself as a tank commander, he was assigned from May 1969 to June 1970 as a non-aviator crew member with Troop B, 7th Armored Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, in Vietnam; serving as an observer on light observation helicopters that conducted reconnaissance over hostile territory, he repeatedly demonstrated his willingness to place himself in harm's way to protect his fellow soldiers; and WHEREAS, On February 25, 1970, Sergeant Bell took part in a mission in which an accompanying helicopter was shot down, severely injuring its crew; exposed to intense fire while his aircraft advanced toward the crash site at treetop level, Sergeant Bell suffered shrapnel wounds to his left arm and chest but kept the enemy at bay by firing on their position with his machine gun; his efforts provided cover to facilitate a rescue of the aviators in the downed craft, and he also assisted by keeping his helicopter's rotor clear of obstacles and tending to injured crew members on the ground; after the wounded were evacuated for medical treatment, he and the pilot returned to the combat zone and marked the enemy fortifications so that they could be targeted by gunships, artillery, and air strikes; and WHEREAS, Sergeant Bell took part in numerous other combat missions during his 13 months with Troop Bin Vietnam, and at one point, he made 25 flights over a three-week period; his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty was recognized with numerous commendations; in addition to the Purple Heart he received for his shrapnel wounds, he was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Army Commendation Medal, the Bronze Star with "V" device, multiple Air Medals, the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm ribbon; and WHEREAS, This dedicated soldier ultimately completed 21 years of active duty in the armed forces, attaining the rank of sergeant major, and he was posted to Germany and Korea, among other locations; his final duty station was at Fort Bliss in El Paso, where he was the enlisted advisor to the 2nd Brigade, 49th Armored Division, of the Texas National Guard; after retiring from the military, he served as a postal carrier in Leon County, worked for a construction company, operated a gun store, and successfully ran for mayor of Leona; he passed away on January 10, 2021, at the age of 77, leaving behind his wife, Alice Bell, his four children, Jerry, Harold, Kimberly, and Wendy, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Jerry Bell distinguished himself through his acts of extraordinary courage, patriotism, and selflessness on the battlefield, and it is indeed fitting that he be honored with the highest military award conferred by the State of Texas; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby direct the governor of the State of Texas to posthumously award the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to Jerry L. Bell in recognition of his valiant service during the Vietnam War. Bell of Montgomery President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 112 was adopted by the House on May 19, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 143, Nays 0, 2 present, not voting. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 112 was adopted by the Senate on May 26, 2023, by a rising vote. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor