05 LC 98
0166
House
Resolution 181
By:
Representatives Maxwell of the
17th
and Richardson of the
19th
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
and commending CW2 Eric B. Thackston, recipient of The Air Medal; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
CW2 Eric B. Thackston, a native of Dallas, Georgia, was awarded The Air Medal
for his exceptional bravery and aviation skills as the Pilot-in-Command of the
UH-60 MEDEVAC crew Talisman 73; and
WHEREAS,
on July 23, 2004, the crews of Talisman 73 and Talisman 74 were alerted of a
9-line MEDEVAC call to evacuate multiple patients who had been critically
injured by a roadside Improvised Explosive Device and the ambush that followed;
and
WHEREAS,
pushing their Blackhawk helicopters to their maximum airspeed, the two crews
traveled the 35 miles to the landing zone in less than 13 minutes and, upon
arrival, discovered that the unit was still engaged with the enemy at the east
end of the bridge and reinforcements had not yet arrived; and
WHEREAS,
Talisman 73 flew over the site to conduct a high recon and confirmed that the
only possible landing site was in the center of the bridge on a road flanked
with high light poles and divided by a guard rail, which was in close proximity
to enemy fire; and
WHEREAS,
without regard to their personal safety, the two crews maneuvered their
helicopters into the dangerous and difficult landing zone and unhesitatingly
rushed to the aid of the wounded; and
WHEREAS,
as a result of their efforts, the lives of four coalition personnel were saved;
and
WHEREAS,
CW2 Thackston's courageous leadership and talent as an aviator, which he
displayed so honorably that day, have brought great pride to the Dallas
community and the State of
Georgia.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize CW2 Eric B. Thackston, recipient of The Air Medal, for his brave and admirable service in the defense of the United States of America and the liberation of the citizens of Iraq and commend the outstanding valor he displayed in the events of July 23, 2004.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize CW2 Eric B. Thackston, recipient of The Air Medal, for his brave and admirable service in the defense of the United States of America and the liberation of the citizens of Iraq and commend the outstanding valor he displayed in the events of July 23, 2004.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to CW2 Eric B.
Thackston.