County remembers decorated war hero Capt. Curtis Fitzgerald I
Vietnam hero Capt. Curtis Wayne Fitzgerald I, 77, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 4. Services for Fitzgerald, under the direction of Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home, are set for 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at Southside Baptist Church.
'He was a great guy, he did a lot for the community and he did everything his way,' said friend Harold Sumrall.
Sumrall said he and Fitzgerald had been friends since the third grade.
Fitzgerald, a Palestine native and graduate from Palestine High School, is one of the most highly decorated veterans in Anderson County.
In 1969, Fitzgerald went to Vietnam, where he flew Bell UH-1 'Huey' helicopters for the U.S. Army 189th Assault Helicopter Company. He flew in five major operations, including the Battle of Hamburger Hill, the Siege of Ben Het, the invasion of Cambodia and the ongoing long-range Reconnaissance Patrols in Cambodia and Laos.
Capt. Curtis Fitzgerald I
Capt. Curtis Fitzgerald I is one of the most highly decorated veterans in Anderson County.
As a pilot for the 'Ghostriders,' Fitzgerald was shot down six times during six years of active duty.
As a result of his military service efforts, Fitzgerald received a Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars, 19 Air Medals and a Purple Heart.
After leaving the service, Fitzgerald continued to work closely with the Veterans Administration, various veterans service organizations and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder support groups.
Curtis Fitzgerald
Curtis Fitzgerald, right, shares a story with Harold Sumrall, left, and Mickey Hubert during a recent lunchtime meeting of The Group.
In addition to his military activities, Fitzgerald started a real estate firm specializing in farm and ranch sales, served the Palestine community on the Parks and Recreation Board, the YMCA Board and founded the Anderson County Soccer Association.
He is survived by his wife Sandra, his son Curtis Fitzgerald II, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
Fitzgerald was honored by former U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling with a Congressional Record in a special ceremony in May 2008.
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