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Governor Abbott Recognizes Two Service Members With Texas Legislative Medal Of Honor

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~ At the Texas Capitol today, Governor Greg Abbott presented the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to Army Sergeant Rickey Wittner and posthumously to Navy SEAL Special Warfare Operator First Class Nathan Gage Ingram. The ceremony was attended by several state officials, including Senator Brent Hagenbuch, Senator Tan Parker, Representative Ben Bumgarner, Representative Cole Hefner, Representative Joanne Shofner, and Texas Military Department Adjutant General Thomas Suelzer.

In his speech, Governor Abbott praised the two men for their bravery and selflessness in serving their country. "Today, we honor two men who answered the call for our nation," he said. "They continued a tradition of heroism that the United States of America was built on. We will never forget the sacrifices they made for our country and for their fellow service members."

Army Sergeant Rickey Wittner was awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor for his actions on July 10, 1970. During his service in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army 242nd Assault Support Helicopter Company, Wittner demonstrated extraordinary courage in saving 12 lives while facing grave danger. He was also awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism, as well as the Purple Heart and Air Medal.

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Navy SEAL Special Warfare Operator First Class Nathan Gage Ingram was posthumously awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor for his actions on January 11, 2024. While on a night mission off the coast of Somalia, Ingram voluntarily entered the water in an attempt to save his teammate's life. Tragically, he lost his own life in this act of bravery. Governor Abbott recognized Ingram's sacrifice and dedication to duty by stating that he "upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval service."

Sergeant Wittner enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1969 and served until 1975 when he joined the U.S. Army Reserve. He later transferred to the Texas Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1987 at the rank of sergeant.

Nathan Gage Ingram, a Navy SEAL Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class, was described as a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend. He enlisted in the Navy in 2019 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training Class 346 in December 2021. His awards and decorations include the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and other personal and unit awards.

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The ceremony concluded with Governor Abbott presenting the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to Sergeant Wittner and to Ingram's family. Additional photos from the event will be made available for public viewing.

The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration conferred to a service member of the Texas military forces. It is awarded to those who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness in serving their country. Today's ceremony served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these two brave men and all those who have served in our nation's armed forces.

Filed Under: Government, State

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