TITLE: Honoring World War II veteran Joe Hernandez of Pampa on his receipt of the Bronze Star.

SUMMARY: Honoring World War II veteran Joe Hernandez of Pampa on his receipt of the Bronze Star.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Joe Hernandez of Pampa was presented a Bronze Star on March 12, 2013, in recognition of his courageous service as a member of the United States Army in World War II; and WHEREAS, Mr. Hernandez graduated from Pampa High School in May 1944 and, answering his country's call to duty, enlisted in the United States Army that September; after 12 weeks of training in Mineral Wells, he was sent to the front lines in Europe, where Allied forces had just pushed back a massive German offensive in the Battle of the Bulge; and WHEREAS, In February 1945, Mr. Hernandez joined the 78th Division in Schmidt, Germany, near the Belgian border; as the Allies pushed ever deeper into Germany from the west, he and his unit marched up to 20 miles a day; during their advance, Mr. Hernandez sustained multiple injuries from mortar shrapnel in the course of a firefight with German troops; he was sent to Paris to recuperate, but after just three weeks he returned to the front; following the end of the war in Europe, he remained in Germany for a time on occupation duty; and WHEREAS, For his intrepid service, Mr. Hernandez was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, a decoration that made him eligible for the Bronze Star; he is also the recipient of the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Army of Occupation of Germany and Japan Medal; and WHEREAS, After his discharge from the military, this esteemed veteran returned home, married, and raised a family; he worked for the railroad and then spent 27 years as a mail carrier with the postal service before his retirement; and WHEREAS, Joe Hernandez exemplifies the selflessness and courage of those who fought for this country during the most far-reaching conflict in world history, and his fellow citizens owe him a profound and lasting debt of gratitude; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby honor Joe Hernandez on his receipt of the Bronze Star and extend to him sincere appreciation for his steadfast patriotism and service; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Hernandez as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. King of Hemphill Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1260 was adopted by the House on April 17, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House