#NeverForgotten:
The Missing Photos of Texas Heroes
Texans have long defended this great nation; their stories of heroism can never be forgotten. That is why I am asking for your help in finding the missing photos of six Texas heroes.
America is the brightest beacon of freedom the world has ever known because of the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces. In times of war and in times of peace, our mighty military stands ever ready.
On Memorial Day, we remember all who gave the last full measure of devotion.
And it is fitting that every day in the Texas Capitol, we honor the bravest of the brave — Texas heroes who have been awarded the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest award for valor in action, presented by the President on behalf of Congress and the people of the United States.
The Above and Beyond: Medal of Honor in Texas exhibit on the ground floor near the Capitol extension has been viewed by hundreds of thousands of visitors since it was unveiled by the Texas State Preservation Board for Veterans Day in 2014.
Among the 91 Medal of Honor recipients from Texas memorialized on that display are names and faces that likely are familiar to many Texans — like Audie Murphy, Roy P. Benavidez and Clarence Sasser.
But six of our Medal of Honor recipients from Texas have no photo to help tell their stories.
Two missing photos from the 1800s were recently located; six are still missing for dates of action between 1870 and 1900. These men were either born in Texas or entered military service in the Lone Star State.
Today, I am asking for the public’s help in putting a face to those six Texas heroes.
If you have a photograph of any of the Medal of Honor recipients from Texas below, please send an email to the Texas State Preservation Board at CVC.CVC@tspb.texas.gov. We also welcome further biographical details on these men from the families, veterans’ groups or others devoted to preserving our military’s history.
· The earliest Medal of Honor recipient from Texas was U.S. Army Sgt. Major Milton M. Holland, 5th U.S. Colored Troops Division, during the Civil War.
· The most recent Medal of Honor presented to a Texan was awarded posthumously to U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Paul R. Smith for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in Iraq in 2003.
· The Above and Beyond: Medal of Honor in Texas exhibit is on the Capitol ground floor near the extension. Hours: Weekdays 7:00 am — 10:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am — 8:00 pm.
· Recipients of the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor, awarded by the Governor on behalf of the Texas Legislature and the people of Texas, will be added on an interactive display at the Medal of Honor exhibit later.
The State Preservation Board was established in 1983 by the Texas 68th Legislature for the purpose of preserving, maintaining and restoring the State Capitol and the 1857 General Land Office, which houses the Capitol Visitors Center. Since that time, the agency has expanded its operations to include the following: maintaining the Texas Governor’s Mansion, operating the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Texas State Cemetery. In addition to its preservation and long-term care for these important Texas landmarks, this state agency further fulfills its mission by educating the public about Texas history through tours, public programs and exhibits.
