The Oklahoma Bar Journal August 2022

OBA MEMBER RECEIVES MEDAL OF HONOR Oklahoma City lawyer Dwight W. Birdwell received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest medal for valor in combat, on July 5. President Biden presented the medal to Mr. Birdwell for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on Jan. 31, 1968. That day, a large enemy element initiated an assault on the Tan Son Nhut Airbase near Saigon. They disabled or destroyed many of the unit’s vehicles and incapacitated Specialist Five Birdwell’s tank commander. Under heavy enemy small-arms fire, Specialist Five Birdwell moved the tank commander to safety and fired its weap ons at the enemy force. Afterward, he dismounted

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES The Oklahoma Bar Center will be closed Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of Labor Day. Also, be sure to docket the 2022 OBA Annual Meeting in Oklahoma City Nov. 2-4.

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Dwight W. Birdwell

and continued fighting until receiving enemy fire to his face and torso. He refused evacuation and led a small group of defenders to disrupt the enemy assault until reinforcements arrived. He then aided in evacuating the wounded until he was ordered to seek attention for his own wounds. He was honor ably discharged on Dec. 29, 1968. Read more online at https://bit.ly/3uTnQ5F.

A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE SOVEREIGNTY SYMPOSIUM

The 35th annual Sovereignty Symposium will be held Sept. 7 at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. The one-day symposium will begin at 8 a.m. and will serve as a replacement for the 2020 Sovereignty Symposium. This unique event will feature a special keynote speaker who will be announced later in the summer. There will also be panels on ethics by Justice John Reif and water law, moderated by John Hargrave. Register online at www.thesovereigntysymposium.com.

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL