68th Legislature 2023 SJ 19.1
1 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 19
2 INTRODUCED BY K. BOGNER
3
4 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
5 MONTANA HONORING AND REMEMBERING MICHAEL L. BRADLEY, ONE OF MONTANA'S FALLEN
6 HEROES WHO VALIANTLY GAVE HIS LIFE IN MILITARY SERVICE.
7
8 WHEREAS, whenever our freedom and security has been threatened, valiant members of the United
9 States Armed Forces have bravely defended our nation and the welfare of other freedom-loving people
10 throughout the world; and
11 WHEREAS, many Montanans who answered the call to serve gave their lives in this service, making
12 this ultimate sacrifice so future generations could prosper in freedom and safety; and
13 WHEREAS, pursuant to Title 10, chapter 2, part 8, of the Montana Code Annotated, the hero named in
14 this resolution, Warrant Officer Michael L. Bradley, is a Montanan who was killed in action while engaged in
15 action against an enemy of the United States; and
16 WHEREAS, Montana's Honor and Remember Medallion is a symbol of our undying gratitude for this
17 valiant Montanan and our solemn pledge to his family members that we will never forget this hero and the
18 sacrifices he made for us; and
19 WHEREAS, Warrant Officer Michael L. Bradley of Eureka, Montana, served in the United States Army
20 and was killed in action on September 27, 1970, in the Republic of Vietnam; and
21 WHEREAS, Warrant Officer Bradley was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross; and
22 WHEREAS, Warrant Officer Bradley distinguished himself while serving as a pilot aboard a helicopter
23 ambulance during rescue operations near Quang Tri. After receiving an urgent request for assistance in
24 locating a downed allied helicopter, Mr. Bradley and his crew immediately boarded their helicopter and sped to
25 the area of the crash. Ignoring the extremely bad weather that made flying conditions very hazardous, Mr.
26 Bradley refused to abandon the search for the downed aircraft. Applying all his knowledge as a skilled aviator,
27 Mr. Bradley flew his aircraft amid the extremely poor weather conditions for over two hours in search of the
28 allied helicopter. During this search, his helicopter was thrown violently out of control by the turbulent weather
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68th Legislature 2023 SJ 19.1
1 and he was fatally injured in the ensuing crash; and
2 WHEREAS, Warrant Officer Bradley's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty, at the cost of his
3 life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, the
4 State of Montana, and the United States Army.
5
6 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
7 THE STATE OF MONTANA:
8 That the 68th Legislature of the State of Montana, in the regular session of 2023, awards the Montana
9 Honor and Remember Medallion to United States Army Warrant Officer Michael L. Bradley of Eureka, Montana.
10 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be provided to the family of Warrant Officer
11 Bradley and that his name be entered on the roll of Montana Honor and Remember Medallion honorees.
12 - END -
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