TITLE: In memory of the life of Jose M. Lopez.

SUMMARY: In memory of the life of Jose M. Lopez.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life and service of Sergeant Jose M. Lopez, who died May 16, 2005, at the age of 92; and WHEREAS, Jose Lopez was born June 1, 1912; he grew up in Brownsville with his uncle after losing his parents at a young age; he learned the value of hard work by taking jobs to help support his new family; he married Emilia Herrera, and they enjoyed 62 years of marriage together; and WHEREAS, Soon after the outbreak of World War II, Mr. Lopez enlisted in the United States Army; on December 17, 1944, while under heavy enemy fire during the Battle of the Bulge, he disregarded his own safety and moved his heavy machine gun multiple times to prevent German troops from overwhelming his unit's position; and WHEREAS, In the face of advancing tanks and numerically superior forces, he continued to move his machine gun where it would best support his unit; he is credited with killing more than 100 enemy soldiers and with almost singlehandedly keeping his unit from being overrun; in recognition of his courage and intrepidity, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest decoration given to a member of the United States armed forces; and WHEREAS, After the war, he returned to Brownsville, and his service has been commemorated with a statue in his likeness in Brownsville'sVeteransPark;inaddition,thecitizensof Mission honored his extraordinary acts of heroism by naming a park and a street in his honor; and WHEREAS, A shining example of a true American hero, Sergeant Lopez is a part of the long line of brave men and women whose courage and sacrifice have left an indelible mark on this state and nation; he has left behind memories that will be treasured forever by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life and legacy of Sergeant Jose M. Lopez; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of gratitude and respect and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Sergeant Jose M. Lopez. Lucio President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 21, 2019, by a rising vote.