HCR49 - In memory of U.S. Army veteran Clarence Eugene Sasser of Sandy Point.

      H.C.R. No. 49       HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION          WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to   a close with the passing of decorated Vietnam War veteran Clarence   Eugene Sasser of Sandy Point on May 13, 2024, at the age of 76; and          WHEREAS, The son of Willie Sasser Jr. and Alice Brown,   Clarence Sasser was born in Chenango on September 2, 1947; he was   raised by his mother and stepfather on a farm in Rosharon, where he   grew up with his siblings and stepsiblings; after graduating from   Marshall High School in 1965, he began studying chemistry at the   University of Houston; he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967,   and he served in Vietnam as a medic with the 3rd Battalion, 60th   Infantry, 9th Infantry Division; and          WHEREAS, On January 10, 1968, Private First Class Sasser was   participating in a reconnaissance mission when enemies attacked his   unit, killing more than 30 U.S. service members in the first few   minutes; Private Sasser ran through a hail of bullets to help his   injured comrades, and he continued to provide treatment even after   being severely wounded; once the group had crawled to a safer area,   he tended to the survivors for five hours before they were all   evacuated; he recovered from his injuries in Japan, and he later   accepted an assignment there; along the way, he rose to the rank of   specialist fifth class; and          WHEREAS, In recognition of his courageous actions during the   Vietnam War, Specialist Sasser was presented with the Medal of   Honor by President Richard M. Nixon during a White House ceremony on   March 7, 1969; his other military honors included the Distinguished   Service Cross, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal,   Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and          WHEREAS, Mr. Sasser returned to civilian life in June 1969   and continued his chemistry studies at Texas A&M University before   accepting a position at a petrochemical refinery near Houston; he   went on to enjoy a rewarding career as a decision review officer   with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and          WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Sasser was president of   the Northwest Brazoria County Servicemen's Association and a member   of New St. Philip Missionary Baptist Church; among his many   achievements, he was inducted into the Texas A&M Hall of Honor in   2013 and was awarded an honorary doctor of letters degree from the   university; and          WHEREAS, Mr. Sasser shared a fulfilling marriage with his   wife, Ethel, that spanned many years before her passing, and he took   great pride in their three sons, Benjamin Sasser and Rossano   Dickey, who preceded their father in death, and Billy Sasser; and          WHEREAS, Clarence Sasser exemplified the highest ideals of   the U.S. armed forces, and he leaves behind a record of service to   his country that will continue to inspire all those who knew him;   now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas   hereby pay tribute to the life of Clarence Eugene Sasser and extend   heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be   prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of   Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of   Clarence Sasser.     Vasut   Barry   Bonnen       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.C.R. No. 49 was unanimously adopted by a   rising vote of the House on March 10, 2025.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.C.R. No. 49 was unanimously adopted by a   rising vote of the Senate on March 19, 2025.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate      APPROVED: __________________                   Date                       __________________                 Governor