Gov. Perry Presents Texas Legislative Medal of Honor

Gov. Rick Perry presented the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to the family of Cpl. Roy Cisneros, a fallen U.S. Marine who was killed during the Vietnam War. The governor was joined by Sen. Leticia Van de Putte and others for the ceremony.

"Cpl. Cisneros' story of courage and sacrifice inspires us all, and it is my great honor to present the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to his family," Gov. Perry said. "His commitment to his country and fellow Marines will never be forgotten, and serves as a reminder that freedom does not come free."

Cpl. Cisneros was killed in the line of duty during a reconnaissance mission in Vietnam in September 1968. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the second highest honor for valor that can be bestowed on a Marine, and was also awarded the Military Merit Medal and Gallantry Cross with Palm from the Republic of Vietnam. In 2009, the elementary school he attended was renamed the Roy Cisneros Elementary School in his honor by the Edgewood Independent School District.

"The sacrifice Roy Cisneros made for his fellow soldiers merits this honor bestowed by the Texas Legislature," Sen. Van de Putte said. "This brave and courageous young man from a humble San Antonio family is a hero and an example for all Americans."

The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the Texas Military Forces.