LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Specialist Salvatore Galgano upon the
occasion of receiving the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device for his
meritorious service during Operation Enduring Freedom

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced Operation Enduring Freedom will
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and as a defender of liberty for people throughout the world;
and
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York who
have served so valiantly and honorably during Operation Enduring Freedom
deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Specialist
Salvatore Galgano upon the occasion of receiving the Bronze Star Medal
with Valor Device for his meritorious service during Operation Enduring
Freedom; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Pomona, New York, Specialist Salvatore Galgano
joined the United States Army in 2006; he deployed to Afghanistan the
following year and was assigned to the Afghan Regional Security Inte-
gration Command-West as one of a 44-member training team to support the
Afghan National Army; and
WHEREAS, In August 2008, Specialist Salvatore Galgano and a small
group of soldiers came under fire while on a mission in the Badghis
Province of Afghanistan when enemy forces, numbering 70 insurgents,
drove the combat patrol into ditches and behind rock walls adjacent to a
small farming village; and
WHEREAS, During the attack, Specialist Salvatore Galgano rushed to the
top of a hill near the point of enemy contact and established a base
with his machine gun to protect the patrol while drawing continuous
enemy fire; and
WHEREAS, Under concealment from smoke grenades, Specialist Salvatore
Galgano was able to leave his position and join the clearing operation,
where he eliminated an enemy fighter who was attempting to attack the
patrol's flank; and
WHEREAS, The engagement lasted almost six hours with fighting at close
quarters; at the end of the battle, approximately 30 enemy fighters had
either been killed or wounded; and
WHEREAS, With Specialist Salvatore Galgano throughout have been his
parents, Mary Hoehmann and Sal Galgano, both of whom feel privileged to
be a part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; and
WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New
York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave;
and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women serve 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, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who
risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-
ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Specialist Salvatore Galgano upon the occasion of receiving the
Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device for his meritorious service during

Operation Enduring Freedom and to wish him continued success in all of
his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Specialist Salvatore Galgano.