VLB Chairwoman Buckingham Announces First Two Medal of Honor Recipients Were Honored in State-Owned Cemeteries

AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board (VLB) Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is pleased to announce the first two Medal of Honor (MOH) memorial services happened at the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Lubbock. The services, which took place late last week, marked the first time recipients of the distinguished MOH were memorialized at any of our VLB cemeteries.

"The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration of the United States Armed Forces and is given to those who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. There is no higher act of honor than serving your country, and for those who are wounded or killed in combat, their lives and the lives of their families are forever altered by their selfless sacrifice," said Commissioner Buckingham. It is an honor for the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery to mark a special place of remembrance for Lt. Col. George Davis and 1st Lt. Frank Mitchell until we can bring them home to their families. These war heroes gave their lives for us all, going above and beyond the call of duty, their legacies immortalized through the Medal of Honor. We are the home of the free because of the brave, and we must never forget that the freedom we cherish has always come at a cost."

Family members of Lt. Col. George Davis receive a folded American flag, honoring his servce and sacrifice during WWII. Lt. Col. Davis, who has been missing since he was shot down on Frbruary 10, 1952, was memorialized at the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery on Friday, September 11, 2026

Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) George Davis, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Texas, served with 334th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing. On February 10, 1952, he departed Kimpo Air Base piloting an F-86 Sabre as the flight leader in a flight of four on a combat mission over North Korea. The flight encountered a group of MiGs and engaged them northeast of Kunu-ri. After damaging two MiGs, Lt. Col. Davis informed his wingman that he had been hit. The wingman followed Lt. Col. Davis's Sabre as it descended, went out of control, and crashed into a hilltop. The wingman said he did not witness an ejection or a parachute. Lt. Col. Davis's indomitable fighting spirit, heroic aggressiveness, and superb courage in engaging the enemy against formidable odds exemplified valor at its highest.

Click the button below to view a Facebook gallery from the memorial service for Lt. Col. George Davis:

Lt. Col. George Davis Memorial

Family members of1st Lt. Frank Mitchell receive a folded American flag honoring his service and sacrifice during the Korean War. 1st Lt. Mitchell was killed on November 27 during the Battle of Chosin Resevoir. He was memorialized at the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery on Friday, September 11, 2026

First Lieutenant (1st Lt.) Frank Nicias Mitchell, who joined the U.S. Marine Corps from Texas, was a platoon leader in A Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. On November 27, during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, his platoon engaged in a firefight with the CCF near Yudam-ni. After the company commander ordered the Marines to withdraw, 1st Lt. Mitchell, realizing that the bodies of several Marines would be left behind, began firing a Browning Automatic Rifle and throwing grenades at CCF troops in order to give other members of the unit a chance to retrieve the bodies. 1st Lt. Mitchell was mortally wounded during this action and the tactical situation prevented the evacuation of his body. His unyielding courage throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Click the button below to view a Facebook gallery from the memorial service for 1st Lt. Frank Mitchell:

1st Lt. Frank Mitchell Memorial

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Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas' first female Land Commissioner. As Land Commissioner, Dr. Dawn Buckingham is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, serving Texas Veterans, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.

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