Senate Resolution No. 1657

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Corporal Richard K. Gillingham
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 Corporal
Richard K. Gillingham 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, Corporal Richard K. Gillingham proudly served his country
as a member of the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War
from 1964 until May 19, 1967, when he gave the ultimate sacrifice,
succumbing to wounds sustained in action; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Valatie, New York, at the time of his death
Corporal Richard K. Gillingham was participating in Operation Hickory, a
search and destroy mission which took place in the vicinity of Gia Binh,
three kilometers northeast of Con Thien (Hill 158) in Quang Tri
Province; and

WHEREAS, On May 19, 1967, Corporal Richard K. Gillingham was serving
as a Squad Leader with Company H, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third
Marine Division (Reinforced) Fleet Marine Force when his squad was
subjected to heavy small arms fire and automatic weapons fire; and

WHEREAS, In the initial burst of fire, one of his men was seriously
wounded and unable to move from his exposed position; with complete
disregard for his own safety, Corporal Richard K. Gillingham rushed into
the open terrain to administer aid to the fallen Marine who was
approximately 20 meters away; and

WHEREAS, Although wounded three times, Corporal Richard K.
Gillingham courageously persisted in his efforts until he had moved his
fellow Marine to a secure position; and

WHEREAS, While heroically attempting to return to his squad,
Corporal Richard K. Gillingham succumbed to his grievous wounds; and

WHEREAS, Through his exceptional fortitude and valiant fighting
spirit, Corporal Richard K. Gillingham upheld the highest traditions of
the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service,

gallantly giving his life for his country and serving as an inspiration
to all; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Corporal
Richard K. Gillingham was awarded the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart;
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,
Corporal Richard K. Gillingham 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 Corporal Richard K. Gillingham 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 Corporal Richard K. Gillingham.