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Gov. Abbott presents Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to military heroes

By
FOX Local
Texas
Published August 24, 2026 4:47 PM CDT
Published August 24, 2026 4:47 PM CDT
article

The Brief

    • Gov. Greg Abbott presented the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to Vietnam veteran Army Sgt. Rickey Wittner and posthumously to Navy SEAL Nathan Gage Ingram.
    • Wittner was recognized for saving 12 lives in 1970, while Ingram was honored for sacrificing his life attempting to rescue a teammate off the coast of Somalia in 2024.
    • The award represents the highest military decoration given to members of the Texas military forces.

AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott presented the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to Army Sgt. Rickey Wittner and posthumously to Navy SEAL Nathan Gage Ingram during a ceremony at the Texas Capitol on Monday.

Several state lawmakers and Texas Military Department Adjutant General Thomas Suelzer attended the ceremony.

Honoring Texas heroes

What we know:

The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor is the state’s highest military decoration for members of the Texas military forces.

Vietnam veteran Sgt. Rickey Wittner recognized for saving 12 lives

Wittner was honored for actions on July 10, 1970, during the Vietnam War, when he saved 12 lives while facing grave danger. He has previously received the Soldier’s Medal for heroism, as well as a Purple Heart and Air Medal.

Wittner enlisted in the Army in 1969 and served with the 242nd Assault Support Helicopter Company, 269th Aviation Battalion. After active-duty service, he joined the Army Reserve and later the Texas Army National Guard. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1987.

Posthumous medal awarded to Navy SEAL Nathan Gage Ingram

Ingram received the medal after his death during a nighttime mission off Somalia’s coast on Jan. 11, 2024. State officials said Ingram entered the water in an attempt to rescue a teammate and died while trying to save him.

Ingram enlisted in the Navy in 2019, completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 2021 and was assigned to SEAL Team THREE. His military awards included the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism medals.

What they're saying:

"Today, we honor two men who answered the call for our nation," Abbott said in a statement. "We will never forget the sacrifices they made for our country and for their fellow service members."

The Source: Information in this article was provided by the Office of the Texas Governor.

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