Senate Resolution No. 1306

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Henry V. Plass posthumously 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 Henry V.
Plass posthumously 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, Henry V. Plass was born in Hudson, New York, on May 21,
1918, to Frank Henry and Jenny Marie (Tanner) Plass; and

WHEREAS, One of four children, Henry V. Plass grew up in Hudson
where he attended grammar and high school; prior to his enlistment he
worked in construction and maintenance and as a painter; and

WHEREAS, Henry V. Plass began his illustrious military service as a
Private in the United States Army on February 18, 1941, during which
time he was sent to Fort Upton, Long Island; after training in
mechanized armor he was assigned to the European Theater of Operation;
and

WHEREAS, As a member of Company D, 81st Tank Battalion, 5th Armor
Division, Henry V. Plass saw action in Normandy, Northern France, the
Rhineland and the Ardennes; and

WHEREAS, On March 5, 1943, Corporal Henry V. Plass resigned as an
enlisted man and earned a battle field commission before beginning his
service as a 1st Lieutenant in the 5th Armor Division on March 6, 1943;
and

WHEREAS, A truly remarkable soldier who was cited on many occasions
for his leadership while serving as a tank commander, Lieutenant Henry
V. Plass devised a method for transporting needed supplies while under
artillery fire after discovering the Germans had infiltrated and mined a
supply route; and

WHEREAS, Using a disabled engineer's truck as a minesweeper in front
of his tank laden with supplies, Lieutenant Henry V. Plass cut a path
through the contested area, thus transporting the urgently needed
ammunitions and rations to the front; this simple act of American

ingenuity was one of many that helped bring the war to a successful
conclusion; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Henry V.
Plass was awarded the Bronze Star, EAME Campaign Medal, WWII Victory
Medal, and the American Campaign Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on November 30,
1945, Henry V. Plass returned home and married the love of his life, the
former Betty A. Cernak on August 12, 1951; he worked for Niagara Mohawk
Power Corporation in Hudson until his retirement; and

WHEREAS, A member of four hunting and fishing clubs, Henry V. Plass
was affectionately known as lucky by his close friends for his ability
to "catch bass on Warren Street after a thunder storm"; furthermore, he
loved square dancing and golf, and served as Secretary for the Hudson
Retire Pension Club of Hudson; and

WHEREAS, Henry V. Plass died on December 23, 2008, at the age of 90,
and is interred at Cedar Park Cemetery in Hudson; 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 risked their
lives for their beloved Nation; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Henry V. Plass 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 Henry V. Plass posthumously 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 the family of Henry V. Plass.