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Yahoo
16-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rep. Cody Harris honors late Palestine war hero
Rep. Cody Harris (R – Palestine) honored the late Vietnam hero Capt. Curtis Fitzgerald with a special resolution Wednesday at the Texas Capitol in Austin. Fitzgerald, 77, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 4. Services were held Friday at Southside Baptist Church. Vietnam hero Capt. Curtis Fitzgerald I Vietnam hero Capt. Curtis Fitzgerald I 'Curtis Fitzgerald lived a rich and purposeful life, and he leaves behind a legacy of service to his country and his community that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him; now, therefore, be it resolved, that the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of U.S. Army Captain Curtis Wayne Fitzgerald and extend deepest condolences to his relatives and friends,' said Harris, reading the resolution on the House floor. Fitzgerald, a graduate of Palestine High School, went to Vietnam in 1969, where he flew Bell UH-1 'Huey' helicopters for the U.S. Army 189th Assault Helicopter Company. During his military career, Fitzgerald 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. 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. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, his son, Curtis Fitzgerald II, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
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.
