Texans Exceptional Gallantry: A Study Guide

I. Key Concepts and Themes

Texas Connection: Understand the criteria for inclusion on the "Texas Exceptional Gallantry" list: birth in Texas or making Texas their home.

Gallantry and Bravery: Appreciate the focus on acts of exceptional courage on the battlefield.

Medals: Know the four medals recognized: Medal of Honor (MOH), Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), Navy Cross (NC), and Silver Star (SS). Understand that the Medal of Honor is the highest award.

Conflicts Represented: Identify the wars covered by the list, including World War I (WW1), World War II (WW2), the Korean War (KW), and the Vietnam War (VNW).

Service Branches: Recognize that the list includes members from all service branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines).

II. Quiz (Short Answer)

1. What are the two ways a veteran can be considered to have a "Texas connection" to be included in the Texas Exceptional Gallantry list?

2. Besides gallantry, what other characteristic defines the acts recognized by the awards listed on the Texas Exceptional Gallantry website?

3. What is the highest medal awarded for gallantry by the United States military recognized by Texas Exceptional Gallantry?

4. Name three wars or conflicts represented by the veterans listed on the Texas Exceptional Gallantry website.

5. Which service branches are represented by the recipients of these medals?

6. Which medal(s) on the site were awarded during WW1?

7. Which medal(s) on the site were awarded to members of the Army and Air Force during WW2?

8. During which conflict were members of the Air Force awarded the Distinguished Service Cross?

9. Why was the Texas Exceptional Gallantry website created?

10. What medal, besides the Medal of Honor, was awarded to members of all service branches during the Korean War?

III. Quiz Answer Key

1. A veteran can be included if they were born in Texas or if they consider Texas their home.

2. The acts recognized also demonstrate exceptional bravery on the battlefield.

3. The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the highest medal awarded.

4. Indian Wars, Philippine Insurection, Cuba conflict, Spanish American War, Mexico, World War I, World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War and Gulf Wars. (Any three of these)

5. All service branches are represented: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.

6. Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross and Silver Star.

7. Silver Star.

8. The Vietnam War.

9. To honor veterans with a connection to Texas who displayed exceptional gallantry and bravery on the battlefield.

10. Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross and Heart of Texas recipients of the Silver Star.

IV. Essay Questions

Discuss the significance of recognizing acts of gallantry in military history. How do these acts contribute to a nation's identity and collective memory?

Explore the criteria for awarding the four medals listed on the Texas Exceptional Gallantry website (Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, and Silver Star). What distinguishes them from one another in terms of valor and service?

How does the "Texas connection" enhance the meaning and impact of honoring these veterans? Why is it important to acknowledge the specific ties between individuals and their home states/communities?

Compare and contrast the different conflicts represented on the Texas Exceptional Gallantry website (WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War). How did the nature of warfare in each conflict influence the types of gallantry displayed by service members?

In what ways does the Texas Exceptional Gallantry website contribute to historical preservation and public education? How can such resources be used to promote a deeper understanding of military history and the sacrifices made by veterans?

V. Glossary of Key Terms

Gallantry: Exceptional bravery; heroic courage in battle.

Medal of Honor (MOH): The highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed on a member of the armed forces who distinguishes themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC): The second-highest military decoration awarded to members of the U.S. Army (and previously, the Air Force) for extraordinary heroism in action against an enemy of the United States.

Navy Cross (NC): The second-highest military decoration awarded to members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for extraordinary heroism in action against an enemy of the United States.

Silver Star (SS): The third-highest military decoration awarded to members of any branch of the United States Armed Forces for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.

World War I (WW1): A global conflict fought from 1914 to 1918 primarily in Europe.

World War II (WW2): A global conflict fought from 1939 to 1945, involving a vast majority of the world's countries.

Korean War (KW): A conflict fought from 1950 to 1953, primarily on the Korean Peninsula, involving North Korea, South Korea, the United States, and other nations.

Vietnam War (VNW): A conflict fought from the 1950s to 1975, primarily in Vietnam, involving North Vietnam, South Vietnam, the United States, and other nations.