Senate Resolution No. 2479

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Robert D. Smith 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 Robert D.
Smith 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, Robert Douglas Smith was born on April 14, 1926, to William
H. Smith and Carrie May (Rockenstyre) Smith in Colonie, New York; and

WHEREAS, On June 5, 1943, Robert D. Smith and the former Shirley L.
Dissosway were united in marriage, and together they raised five
children, Robert, James, Ann, Donald and Pamela; and

WHEREAS, Robert D. Smith proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Navy during World War II from March 20, 1944 to
February 27, 1946; as a Fireman first class, he served in the Pacific
Theater and in the Battle of Leyte Gulf during the liberation of the
Philippines; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Robert D. Smith received the
American Theatre Medal, Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal
with 6 stars, and the Philippine Liberation Medal with 1 star; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his valiant military service, Robert
D. Smith resided in Lansingburgh, New York; he worked for Troy-Bilt as
a machine repairman for eight years and retired from Schaefer Brewing
Company in Albany, New York, where he worked as a Class A Truck Driver;
and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Robert D. Smith was a member of the Teamsters Local 294,
Brewery Workers 1015 and the National Tin Can Sailors Association; he
was also a past member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 469; and

WHEREAS, Robert D. Smith died on December 3, 1991, at the age of 65;
he is buried at Elmwood Hill Cemetery in Troy, New York; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his wife and children, Robert D. Smith is
survived by 12 grandchildren, Daniel, Robert, Erin, Chad, Jared,
Victoria, Richard, Benjamin, Andrea, Erica, Sarah and Ellen; 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,
Robert D. Smith 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 Robert D. Smith 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 Robert D. Smith.