LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring William D. Costello upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition for his distinguished service to
his country

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 peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor William D.
Costello upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
for his distinguished service to his country, to be observed on Memorial
Day, Monday, May 30, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Born on January 1, 1925 in Flushing, New York, William D.
Costello was drafted into the United States Army in 1943 at the age of
18; and
WHEREAS, William D. Costello completed his basic training at Camp
Campbell in Kentucky before being assigned to the 4th Infantry Division;
and
WHEREAS, The 4th Infantry Division was part of the Normandy Invasion
at Utah Beach; they were instrumental in the liberation of St. Lo, St.
Mere Eglise in France, and Paris, France; the Division also served
campaigns in Belgium, Hurtgen Forest, Siegfried Line, and Luxemburg; and
WHEREAS, Having rendered brave and dedicated service to his country
during World War II, William D. Costello was honorably discharged as a
Tech 5 Sergeant on January 9, 1946; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable soldier's decorations include a Combat Infan-
try Badge, a Purple Heart Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a World War II
Victory Medal, four Campaign Bronze stars, a Euro/Middle East Campaign
Medal and a D-Day Medal; and
WHEREAS, A retired Local 731 Supervisor, William D. Costello currently
serves as Post Commander for the VFW Post 4787 in Whitestone, New York;
and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Josephine, their two
daughters, and five grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; 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 his patriotism both at home and abroad,
William D. Costello has 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
honor William D. Costello upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition for his distinguished service to his country; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to William D. Costello.