Senate Resolution No. 2387

BY: Senator RATH

HONORING United States Army Veteran Sergeant
Robert B. Cierniak upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Purple Heart

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 honor United
States Army Veteran Sergeant Robert B. Cierniak upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the much-deserved Purple Heart presented by
retired Colonel Jim Schultz; Robert's wife, Michele; their two
daughters, Robyn (Matt) and Lauren; and his beloved dog, Morgan at a
moving ceremony on Wednesday, March 16, 2022; and

WHEREAS, The prestigious Purple Heart is awarded to members of the
armed forces of the United States who are wounded by an instrument of
war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the
name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in
action; and

WHEREAS, After 52 years of delays, Sergeant Robert B. Cierniak
received this long overdue award for wounds he suffered when his
helicopter was struck by enemy fire on March 31, 1970; and

WHEREAS, Robert B. Cierniak proudly served his country as a member
of Company C, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces in the United
States Army during the Vietnam War; the Special Forces groups and
Vietnamese irregular soldiers joined together to form the MIKE Force, a
quick-reaction unit that was used to secure or reinforce or retake
captured local base camps; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Sergeant Robert B. Cierniak 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
honor United States Army Veteran Sergeant Robert B. Cierniak upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of the Purple Heart; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sergeant Robert B. Cierniak.