AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two Army veterans were posthumously awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor on Monday.
Gov. Greg Abbott presented the prestigious award to the families of U.S. Army Major Jerry L. Bell and Army Master Sergeant Mike C. Peña at the Texas Capitol Monday morning. KXAN spoke to the daughter of Bell, Wendy Baldwin, who spoke on what the award means to them.
Bell was recognized for his service in the Vietnam War, and Peña was recognized for his service in World War II. Additionally, Peña gave his life during the Korean War, Abbott’s office said in a news release Monday.
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Army Master Sergeant Mike C. Peña was posthumously awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor at the Texas Capitol | Ed Zavala/KXAN News -
Army Master Sergeant Mike C. Peña was posthumously awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor at the Texas Capitol | Ed Zavala/KXAN News -
On Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott posthumously awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor at the Texas Capitol | Ed Zavala/KXAN News
U.S. Army Sergeant Major Bell was recognized for his valiant service during the Vietnam War, and U.S. Master Sergeant Peña was recognized for his service in World War II and for giving his life to save his fellow soldiers during the Korean War. The awards were accepted by members of Sergeant Major Bell and Master Sergeant Peña’s respective families.
“Oh gosh, it’s unbelievable. We always knew [Bell] was a hero, but now everybody else gets to know,” Baldwin said.
The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration you can get as a member of the Texas military forces.
“It’s the pride of our country. It’s someone who gave what they could give, and it’s part of history now,” said Mary Alice Bell, Bell’s wife, during the ceremony.