LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lawrence Hannigan in recognition of his
distinction as a Chevalier of The National Order of the Legion of Honor
by the Nation of France

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 who so valiantly served for the benefit of
other people and nations; and
WHEREAS, It is also the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize
and honor distinguished individual soldiers who have been honored by the
governments of other nations, grateful for their military service in
securing or maintaining peace and freedom; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Lawrence Hannigan in recognition of his distinction as a Chevalier of
The National Order of the Legion of Honor, the highest decoration given
by the Nation of France, for his service in the liberation of their
country during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence Hannigan valiantly served the United States and the
Allied Forces in World War II as a crewman on an M-4 Sherman Tank in the
70th Independent Tank Battalion of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Landing on Utah Beach as part of the 3rd Invasion in Norman-
dy, and later fighting through Cherbourg, Saint-Lo, Lawrence Hannigan
helped open up St. Lowe for the Army of General Patton and was part of
the United States Forces to liberate Paris; this decorated soldier
served in Germany, France, Belgium and Luxembourg during World War II;
and
WHEREAS, Lawrence Hannigan, who was severely wounded while serving in
Luxembourg, also received the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, the New
York State Conspicuous Service Cross, and the French Jubiliee of Liberty
Medal; and
WHEREAS, After his discharge from the Army in 1945, Lawrence Hannigan
worked at the Air Preheater Company in Wellsville, New York; and
WHEREAS, An important part of his hometown community, Lawrence Hanni-
gan is a member of the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion and has
been an active member of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in
Wellsville; and
WHEREAS, This dedicated family man made substantial contributions to
his family as a loving husband, father, and grandfather; he and his
wife, Mildred, raised three daughters, Cheryl, Lucinda and Kim; they
have also been blessed with two grandsons; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lawrence Hannigan in recognition of his distinction as a Chevalier
of The National Order of the Legion of Honor by the Nation of France;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lawrence Hannigan.