Senate Resolution No. 1303

BY: Senator MARTUCCI

COMMENDING Peter J. Mule 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 Peter J.
Mule 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, Peter J. Mule, affectionately known as Pete, was inducted
into United States Army on December 8, 1952 and proudly served his
country during the Korean War until the completion of his military
service on September 24, 1954; and

WHEREAS, Peter J. Mule achieved the esteemed rank of Tech Sergeant
while serving with both the 43/45 Service Company and the 38 Infantry
Regiment; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Peter J. Mule was part of the assault at
Heartbreak Ridge known as Operation Touchdown, where he helped remove
the SAG that existed in the Punchbowl area and in lines that were held
by the United States 2nd Division and the ROK 8th Division; today these
areas are known as Heartbreak Ridge and the Bloody Ridge; and

WHEREAS, This heroic man saw additional action during the Battle of
Old Baldy, a series of five engagements for Hill 266 which occurred over
a period of 10 months in 1952-1953; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Korean War, Peter J.
Mule was awarded the National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal with
Bronze Star, United Nations Medal and the prestigious Presidents Unit
Citation; and

WHEREAS, Upon his discharge, Peter J. Mule returned to the Hudson
Valley area in New York, where he met his wife, Maria, and they started
a family; and

WHEREAS, In 1956, Peter J. Mule was employed as a Mason, and soon
became a member of the Teamsters, the esteemed position from which he
retired in 1993; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Peter J. Mule, in an effort to
continue giving, joined the Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corps Inc. in
1998; he served in various positions and roles within the Ambulance
Corps including President, Trustee and Director; he managed the growth
of the Ambulance Corps, which included a building expansion and the
addition of a second ambulance and an Emergency Response Vehicle; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Peter J. Mule was a driver, attained State
Certification as a New York State First Responder and was instrumental
in helping to achieve Agency of the Year status, not just once, but on
two separate occasions; 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,
Peter J. Mule 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 Peter J. Mule 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 Peter J. Mule.