PALESTINE — About 100 friends, family and community members gathered at the Palestine Public Library Wednesday to honor local resident and military hero Capt. Curtis Fitzgerald for his service in the Vietnam War.

Fitzgerald, one of the most highly decorated veterans in Anderson County, was honored by U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling, R-Dallas, during the ceremony with a brief speech and presentation of the remarks Hensarling made in the official “Congressional Record.”

“One of the greatest perks I receive as a congressman is to give honor and recognition to people like Curtis Fitzgerald,” Hensarling said. “I don’t do this just because it feels good. If I don’t do it I am derelict in my duties.

“I have always felt that if anyone group of veterans did not get the honor they were due it was those who served during the Vietnam War,” he added.

In 1969, Fitzgerald went to Vietnam, where he flew Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopters for the U.S. Army 189th Assault Helicopter Company. He flew in five major operations, including the Battle of Hamburger Hill, the Siege of Ben Het, the invasion of Cambodia, and the ongoing long-range Reconnaissance Patrols in Cambodia and Laos.

As a result of his efforts, Capt. Fitzgerald received a Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars, 19 Air Medals and a Purple Heart.

In kicking off the ceremony, Fitzgerald’s longtime friend and 369th State District Judge Bascom W. Bentley III shared his memories of playing football in the yard with the local war hero and his friends.

“There was always something special about Curtis,” Bentley said. “He was successful in everything he did — he was a sports hero and a good man who went on to become a real hero in Vietnam”

Fitzgerald was humbled and grateful to be honored by Hensarling and the community, he said during remarks after the presentation.

“I just want to thank you all for this honor,” Fitzgerald said. “But the people I am most grateful to are my wife and son.

“Without the help of my wife, Karen, I would not be here today,” he added. “And when my son, Curt, came along, he gave me a reason to live my life.”

Fitzgerald continues today to work closely with the Veterans Administration, various veterans service organizations and Palestine-area Post Traumatic Stress Disorder support group.

In addition to his military activities, Fitzgerald has served his community on the Parks and Recreation Board, the YMCA Board and founded the Anderson County Soccer Association.