Gov. Abbott Recognizes Two Service Members With Texas Legislative Medal Of Honor

AUSTIN, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott presented the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor, the state's highest military decoration, to Army Sgt. Rickey Wittner and posthumously to Navy SEAL Special Warfare Operator First Class Nathan Gage Ingram during a ceremony Monday at the Texas Capitol.

“Today, we honor two men who answered the call for our nation,” Abbott said. “They continued a tradition of heroism that the United States of America was built on. We will never forget the sacrifices they made for our country and for their fellow service members.”

Abbott was joined by Sen. Brent Hagenbuch, Sen. Tan Parker, Rep. Ben Bumgarner, Rep. Cole Hefner, Rep. Joanne Shofner and Texas Military Department Adjutant General Thomas Suelzer.

Wittner received the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor for his actions on July 10, 1970, when he demonstrated extraordinary bravery and saved 12 lives.

Wittner enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1969 and completed helicopter training at Fort Eustis, Virginia, before serving with the 242nd Assault Support Helicopter Company, 269th Aviation Battalion during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism, the Purple Heart and the Air Medal for his military service.

After completing active duty in 1975 as a Specialist Fifth Class, Wittner joined the U.S. Army Reserve before transferring to the Texas Army National Guard's headquarters company in Marshall with the 5th Battalion, 112th Armor. He was honorably discharged in 1987 at the rank of sergeant.

Ingram was posthumously honored for his actions on Jan. 11, 2024, when he voluntarily entered the water during a nighttime mission off the coast of Somalia in an attempt to rescue a teammate.

According to the governor's office, Ingram gave his life while attempting the rescue, demonstrating extraordinary courage and selfless dedication to duty.

Ingram enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Sept. 25, 2019, and graduated from Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes, Illinois, later that year. He completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training Class 346 in December 2021 before reporting to SEAL Team THREE for his first operational assignment.

His military decorations include the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and other personal and unit awards.