[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E37]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING DON MUNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETH VAN DUYNE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 13, 2026

  Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful 
Nation and the citizens of the 24th Congressional District of Texas. 
The 2025 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to 
Lieutenant Colonel Don Munson, United States Army, of Coppell, Texas, 
for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of 
America and for his continued service to his community.
  Lieutenant Colonel Munson was commissioned as an officer upon 
graduating from Tulane University in 1960 as a Distinguished Military 
Graduate. Over the course of a 23-year Army career, he served in 
numerous leadership roles, including with the 82nd Airborne Division, 
Special Forces, and the 1st Cavalry Division. During the Vietnam War, 
he commanded C Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, and later served as 
Operations Officer for the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry. For his 
extraordinary gallantry, he earned the Silver Star for capturing three 
enemy combatants under fire and the Distinguished Flying Cross for 
heroism in extracting stranded soldiers under intense enemy attack. 
Throughout his command, he was deeply respected for his courage, 
integrity, and care for those under his leadership--never losing a 
single soldier in combat.
  Lieutenant Colonel Munson's decorations also include two Bronze Stars 
for Valor, eleven Air Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals, and the 
Purple Heart, as well as the Master Combat Infantryman Badge, Master 
Parachutist Badge, and Pathfinder Badge.
  His dedication to service did not end with his military career. A 
longtime member and former commander of the Military Order of World 
Wars, he authored and published the Dallas Chapter's monthly newsletter 
for twenty years. As a result of his hard work and leadership, the 
Dallas Chapter was named ``Chapter of the Year'' for 15 of its first 19 
years. He also served as Chairman of the Dallas Veterans Day Parade, 
helping elevate the event to one of national prominence. For nearly two 
decades he directed the Texas A&M Youth Leadership Conference, an 
initiative he founded to teach principles of patriotism, leadership, 
and service to the next generation.
  Lieutenant Colonel Munson's service is consistent with the finest 
traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon 
himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

                          ____________________