Senate Resolution No. 1302

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Ernest Santoro upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Ernest
Santoro upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty
Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Born on July 5, 1922, in Mamaroneck, New York, Ernest
Santoro, affectionately known as Ernie, turned 99 years old this year;
and

WHEREAS, On June 15, 1942, Ernest Santoro enlisted in the United
States Army and proudly served his country during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Originally stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he began
his training, Ernest Santoro was then deployed to the Pacific theater
where he saw combat in the Asiatic-Archipelago, New Guinea, Southern
Philippines and Luzon; and

WHEREAS, While in service, Ernest Santoro was severely wounded in
combat on February 23, 1945; he was immediately transported to Wall City
Field Hospital for surgery; after many surgeries and a lot of
rehabilitation, he was able to fully recover; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Ernest
Santoro was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct
Medal, Philippines Liberation Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge, as well
as the esteemed Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service in 1945, Ernest
Santoro was employed as a home builder and general contractor in
Westchester County, New York, the position from which he retired in
1973; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Santoro married his wife, the late Faye Santoro, in
1942, and together they were the proud parents of five children; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their

lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Ernest Santoro demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Ernest Santoro upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ernest Santoro.