Texas is home to heroes who bravely fought in the face of danger for freedom and peace, beginning with the fight for independence from Mexico and continuing through two world wars, the conflicts in Vietnam and Afghanistan. Learn about some of the most courageous and brave Texans, as well as their exploits in chronological order at houston-yes.com.
Stephen F. Austin
Stephen F. Austin, the Father of Texas, led the Texas Army on October 12, 1835, during the victorious siege of the Mexican-occupied city of Béxar (now county) at the start of the Texas Revolution (Texas Revolutionary War). After that, Austin served as a commissioner to the United States and even ran as a candidate for the Texas presidential election in 1836, although he lost to Sam Houston. The new president appointed Austin Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas, a position he retained until his death. In fact, the state capital is named in his honor.
Sam Houston
On April 21, 1836, the 18-minute battle of San Jacinto, the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, took place. The Texas Army was led by General Sam Houston. The Texans defeated the Mexican army commanded by General Antonio López de Santa Anna. Sam Houston became the first president of the Republic of Texas, and the city of Houston was named after him.
George L. Keene
On July 18, 1918, George L. Keene stormed a German fortification in the French city of Soissons, capturing an officer who had a map of enemy positions with him. The Texan was one of the most awarded American soldiers of the First World War, receiving two Silver Stars, several Purple Hearts and numerous medals for service from France and Italy.
Doris Miller
During the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, sailor Doris Miller, a crew member of the USS West Virginia, handled American anti-aircraft machine guns and evacuated wounded sailors to safety. Miller was the first African-American to be awarded the Navy Cross, the second most valuable military award in the United States Navy, which is given to sailors and marines who display remarkable bravery in battle against enemy armed forces.
James E. Rudder
On June 6, 1944, in the historical region of Normandy, France, the commander of the 2nd Ranger Battalion of the US Army, James E. Rudder, climbed with soldiers on 30-meter cliffs under enemy fire. Their goal was to destroy German gun batteries and provide a springboard for the anti-Hitler coalition during the landing of British, American, Canadian and French soldiers in Normandy to fight the Germans.
Major General James E. Rudder, who later took part in the Ardennes Offensive, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and numerous other awards.
Marcario García
On November 27, 1944, commander Marcario García and his military unit were attacked by mortar and machine-gun fire in the German Hürtgen Forest. As a result of the ongoing wave of Nazi attacks, numerous American soldiers were killed or injured. Garcia himself was hit in the shoulder but continued to fight hard on his own. He was the first Mexican immigrant in the United States to be awarded the Medal of Honor, the country’s highest military award given to U.S. military soldiers for their personal bravery during combat operations.
Audie Murphy
On January 26, 1945, in the former French municipality of Holtzwihr, 19-year-old Second Lieutenant (primary military rank of an officer in the United States Armed Forces) Audie Murphy commanded a company under attack by six enemy tanks and infantry. He ordered his troops to retreat to their prepared positions in the forest. He, on the other hand, stayed at the command post, where he continued to give orders to the gunners by phone. An American tank destroyer to his right took a direct hit and caught fire as a result. Murphy’s crew retreated into the woods, and he jumped onto a burning tank to rotate the machine gun toward the enemy troops. Since the tank was in danger of exploding, Murphy risked his life to withdraw enemy troops.
After losing infantry support, enemy tanks began to retreat. For another hour, the Germans employed every weapon at their disposal to kill Second Lieutenant Murphy. The Texan, on the other hand, kept his position bravely and even destroyed a squad that tried to sneak up on his right flank unnoticed. Murphy, wounded in the leg, fought alone until he ran out of ammunition. He then retreated to his forces, which he immediately mobilized into a counterattack, even refusing medical aid.
Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor and elevated to first lieutenant, a rank higher than second lieutenant but lower than captain. Following his army service, Murphy had a successful Hollywood career as an actor and producer.
Chester W. Nimitz
During World War II, US Navy Admiral and Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet Chester W. Nimitz commanded all allied land and maritime forces of the anti-Hitler coalition. After defeating Japan on September 2, 1945, on behalf of the United States, Nimitz signed the surrender of Japan on board the Missouri. Following the end of the hostilities, he was appointed Chief of US Naval Operations.
Raul P. Benavidez
On May 2, 1968, US Army Master Sergeant Raul P. Benavidez saved the lives of at least eight soldiers on a rescue mission during the Vietnam War. Despite several bullet wounds, shrapnel holes, cuts in both hands, a damaged lung and other injuries, Benavidez carried the wounded to helicopters, defended secret documents and survived the 6-hour battle. For outstanding heroism, the soldier received the Distinguished Service Cross and the Medal of Honor.
Christopher S. Kyle
U.S. Navy Chief Sergeant Christopher S. Kyle, one of the most successful U.S. snipers in history, made his first of 160 confirmed kills in March 2003 while defending Marines in the Iraqi city of Nasiriyah. Kyle served in Iraq four times and was awarded a Silver Star and several Bronze Stars.
Marcus Luttrell
On June 27, 2005, US Navy soldier Marcus Luttrell, despite receiving numerous injuries, miraculously survived an ambush during Operation Red Wings. This was an unsuccessful joint special operation during the war in Afghanistan, which US forces conducted against Taliban militants in June-July 2005 in Kunar Province. For his heroic actions during the operation, Luttrell, the only survivor, was awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart.
William H. McRaven
On May 1, 2011, U.S. military Commander, Admiral of the U.S. Navy, and Commander of the Joint Special Operations Command William H. McRaven led and supervised the SEAL Team Six in Pakistan during Operation Neptune’s Spear. This fateful operation resulted in the assassination of Osama bin Laden, an international terrorist, Islamist and former leader of Al-Qaeda (an international Islamic terrorist group created in Afghanistan to fight the Soviet invasion). William H. McRaven served in the wars in Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf and Iraq.