LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John L. Smith for his devoted service to
his country and to recognize his outstanding contributions to the State
of New York

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, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John L. Smith
for his devoted service to his country and to recognize his outstanding
contributions to the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, John L. Smith, born in Whitestone, Queens, enlisted in the
United States Army in April of 1941, and served until April of 1962,
during which time he climbed the ranks from Buck Private to Lieutenant
Colonel; and
WHEREAS, He started his training at Camp Wolters, Texas Co. E 185
Infantry 40th Division and then at San Luis Obispo, California; he duti-
fully served with this rifle unit in the Pacific for two and a half
years; and
WHEREAS, Following officers training at Fort Benning, John L. Smith
went to England to train for the Normandy invasion; he landed at Norman-
dy day 2 as a replacement officer platoon leader Co. A 12th Infantry 4th
Inf. Division; and
WHEREAS, Following the invasion, John L. Smith led his unit in the
battles at Perers Villedieu, Percy and breaking through to St. Poix,
Brecy, and then at the battle for Mortain, where he was wounded on
August 9, 1944; and
WHEREAS, After the end of World War II, John L. Smith served in the
Army of Occupation 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division in Germany; upon
returning to the United States, he served with the 1st Army Honor Guard,
Governors Island, New York; and
WHEREAS, In August of 1950, John L. Smith was shipped to North Korea
for military police duty; after Korea, he served as the Provost Marshal,
Fort Gulick, Canal Zone, Panama; and
WHEREAS, Subsequently, he served as Provost Marshal, New England Mili-
tary District of the 1st Army, and was an advisor for a reserve unit in
Long island City before retiring in April of 1962 from the 2nd Corp
Headquarters Camp Kilmer, New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, This brave soldier received several decorations and medals
including the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, two Army
Commendation Medals, Meritorious Unit Commendations, American, European,
and Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medals, African and Middle Eastern with two
Bronze Stars, World War II Victory Medal with German Clasp, Korean
Service Medal with five Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal,
and the United Service and Armed Forces Medals; 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 their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their 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 John L. Smith for his devoted service to his country and to recog-
nize his outstanding contributions to the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John L. Smith.