Senate Resolution No. 393

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Peter Mixa 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 the citizenry of this great
State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Peter Mixa
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, Born to Paul and Martha Mixa on June 2, 1923, in Hudson,
New York, Peter Mixa attended Greenport Elementary and graduated from
Hudson High School in June of 1942; and

WHEREAS, Peter Mixa enlisted in the United States Army on February
12, 1943, in Albany, New York; he qualified with the M-1 carbine and the
30-caliber machinegun in basic training and received additional training
as an automotive equipment driver and was assigned to the European
Theater of Operation on October 5, 1943, where he was assigned as a
trailer truck driver; and

WHEREAS, His duties required him to haul heavy equipment like tanks
in blackout conditions over rough terrain in England as well as during
combat conditions in the Ardennes, Central Europe, Northern France, and
the Rhineland; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Tech-5
Peter Mixa was awarded the World War II Victory Medal,
European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, and the Good Conduct
Medal; and

WHEREAS, After his service ended on December 1, 1945, Peter Mixa
returned to Columbia County and married his beloved wife, Bernice
Hummel, with whom he had four children: Patricia, Pamela, Paula, and
Peter; and

WHEREAS, Peter Mixa worked at Universal Atlas Cement Company, in
Greenport, New York; he later became known for being a highly skilled
iron worker for National, USA; he worked on projects like the
Kinston-Rhinecliff Bridge, the Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge, and the
Missouri Gateway Arch; he last worked as the head chef at Brookwood
Secure Center for boys before retiring; and


WHEREAS, With a love for the outdoors, Peter Mixa enjoyed hunting,
fishing, and playing golf in his free time; and

WHEREAS, Peter Mixa died on October 29, 1987, at the age of 64,
leaving behind four children, six grandchildren, and six
great-grandchildren; 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,
Peter Mixa 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 Peter Mixa 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 Peter Mixa.