Senate Resolution No. 1338

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Lieutenant Colonel John Brownrigg 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 Lieutenant
Colonel John Brownrigg 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, West Sand Lake resident John Brownrigg began his
illustrious career in the United States Army as a ROTC Cadet at Cornell
University in June of 1963; after graduating, he was commissioned as a
Second Lieutenant (infantry) on June 26, 1967, and was assigned to the
101st Airborne Division as a rifle platoon leader; and

WHEREAS, On November 27, 1967, Lieutenant John Brownrigg was
deployed to Vietnam with the 1/501 Battalion as advanced party commander
to secure the unit's base camp at Chu Chi, South Vietnam; later, he
moved to Camp Eagle in Quang Tri Province with Northern I Corps where
the 1/501 Battalion was heavily involved in the defense and recapture of
Hue Citadel, Quang Tri Province during the Tet Offensive in February of
1968; and

WHEREAS, Upon return to the United States, Lieutenant John Brownrigg
was sent to Advisor's School and Military Language School in Monterey,
California; after being promoted to Captain, he was re-deployed to
Vietnam in 1969 as an A-Team Leader with Military Area Command
Vietnam-Special Operations Group; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Captain John Brownrigg assisted the
Vietnamese Regular Army units with training and military operations
against the enemy and conducted medical and dental clinics for
Vietnamese civilians; this brave soldier also directed two gunships, a
transport helicopter, and fighter jets to provide suppressing cover fire
and artillery upon a large enemy force surrounding 27 Vietnamese
soldiers under his command to be rescued and evacuated successfully;
even though he was severely wounded, he was extracted from the field
only after all soldiers under his command had been safely evacuated; and

WHEREAS, For his honorable and courageous service during the Vietnam
War, Captain John Brownrigg was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze
Stars, two Purple Hearts, three Commendation Medals, Combat Infantry
Badge, Parachute Badge, Army Campaign Ribbon with 14 campaign devices,
five Unit Citation Medals, twice awarded the Vietnamese Cross of
Gallantry Unit Citation with palm device, and the New York State
Conspicuous Service Medal from Governor Nelson Rockefeller; and

WHEREAS, After completing active duty, Captain John Brownrigg joined
the United States National Guard and the Army Reserves where he served
for 22 years, officially retiring with the esteemed rank of Lieutenant
Colonel; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Lieutenant Colonel John Brownrigg has 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 Lieutenant Colonel John Brownrigg 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 Lieutenant Colonel John Brownrigg.