Senate Resolution No. 2888

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Marilynn A. and Gerald John Wright, Sr.
posthumously upon the occasion of their designation
as recipients 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 Marilynn
A. and Gerald John Wright, Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients 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, Marilynn A. Wright was born on September 26, 1920 in
Pittsfield, Maine to Charles and Jessie Ryant; her family moved to
Tewksbury, Massachusetts, where she grew up and graduated from high
school; and

WHEREAS, On March 1, 1943, Marilynn A. Wright enrolled in the
Women's Army Corps (WAC) and was stationed at the Engineer Replacement
Center at Fort Devens, Massachusetts; she was later assigned to Fort
Leonard Wood, Missouri; and

WHEREAS, Marilynn A. Wright was the only woman assigned to a United
States Navy Seabees unit for the purpose of repairing bridges stateside;
she was honorably discharged on August 30, 1943, having served five
months and 30 days of active duty; and

WHEREAS, Gerald John Wright, Sr. was born on March 8, 1918, to Elmer
T. and Leona Wright Beeman in Oneida Valley, New York, where he grew up
and graduated from high school; and

WHEREAS, On April 21, 1939, Gerald John Wright, Sr. enlisted in the
United States Army and qualified with the M1 Garand; he was trained as a
light truck driver and served in the States for three years and three
months; and

WHEREAS, Private First-Class Gerald John Wright, Sr. was then
assigned to Battery D, 5th Field Artillery Battalion in the Eastern
Theater of Operation on August 7, 1942; his unit was part of the 1st
Infantry Division which participated in every major European campaign
during World War II from North Africa to Germany; and

WHEREAS, After valiantly serving his country abroad for two years
and 10 months, Private First-Class Gerald John Wright, Sr. was
discharged at Fort Dix, New Jersey on June 15, 1945; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Private
First-Class Gerald John Wright, Sr. was awarded the Bronze Star, EAME
Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory
Medal and the Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, Gerald John Wright, Sr. and the former Marilynn A. Ryant
were united in marriage on April 4, 1942, and together they raised five
children, Fred, Gerald Jr., Carol, Roger and Richard; Gerald worked as a
truck driver for Schwerman Trucking and Marilynn worked as a nurse's
aide at various facilities in New York State; and

WHEREAS, They were the proud grandparents of eight grandchildren,
eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, both Gerald and Marilynn were active members
of the American Legion Post No. 184 in Hudson, New York; and

WHEREAS, Marilynn A. Wright died on December 8, 2016, at the age of
96, and was buried next to her beloved husband at Tyler Cemetery in
Kirkville, New York; 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 their patriotism both at home and abroad,
Marilynn A. and Gerald John Wright, Sr. both demonstrated their love for
their country and merit forevermore the highest respect of this 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 Marilynn A. and Gerald John Wright, Sr. posthumously upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients 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 Marilynn A. and Gerald John Wright, Sr.