LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Private First Class Frank Tracz in
recognition of his induction into the New York State Senate Veterans
Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose military service was extraordinary and
resulted in decorations for achievement and meritorious service, and
especially for those Veterans accepted into the New York State Senate
Veterans Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, It is also the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize
and honor distinguished individual soldiers who have overcome the myriad
trials unique to prisoners of war and have returned home to become
valued citizens in their communities in this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Private First Class Frank Tracz in recognition of his induction into the
New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, which was created to pay
tribute to outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distin-
guished themselves both in military and civilian life; their meritorious
service to our Nation deserves the special recognition that only a Hall
of Fame can provide, as a fitting expression of our gratitude and admi-
ration; and
WHEREAS, The "Battle of the Bulge", fought over the winter months of
1944-45, was the last major Nazi offensive against the Allied Forces in
World War II; this horrific battle, was a last ditch effort by Adolph
Hitler to split the Allies in two in their drive towards Germany and
destroy their ability to supply themselves; and
WHEREAS, PFC Frank Tracz valiantly served our country in World War II
as a telephone lineman with the 106th Infantry Division, the "Golden
Lions" of the United States Army; the "Golden Lions" received the full
brunt of two German Panzer Divisions during the Ardennes-Alsace Campaign
in December of 1944, the notorious "Battle of the Bulge"; during this
battle, the 106th Infantry suffered a loss of 417 killed in action,
1,278 wounded, 53 mortally wounded and 6,697 taken prisoner; by V-E Day,
with only 63 days of combat, the "Golden Lions" were awarded the Distin-
guished Unit Citation for valiant service; and
WHEREAS, Taken prisoner by the Germans at the "Battle of the Buldge,"
on December 19, 1944, PFC Tracz was held at Stalag 9B until liberation
in April of 1945; and
WHEREAS, This decorated soldier received the Bronze Star Medal, the
Combat Infantry Badge, the Prisoner of War Medal, the European-African-
Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze campaign stars, the
American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Sharpshoot-
er Badge with rifle bar, and the New York State Conspicuous Service
Cross; and
WHEREAS, Upon his discharge from the Army, Frank Tracz returned to
Olean, New York, where he and his wife, the former Ann Cleo McGavisk,
operated Tracy's Restaurant, located on East State Street, until 1974;
and
WHEREAS, This dedicated family man made substantial contributions to
his family as a loving husband, father, and grandfather; he and his wife
raised three children, Karen, Susan and Terry; they also have give
grandchildren; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Private First Class Frank Tracz upon his induction into the New
York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Frank Tracz.