LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Warren Thompson of Savona, New York, on
the occasion of Memorial Day 2012 for his distinguished military service
in World War II

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Members and former 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 preserva-
tion of peace in peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legisla-
tive Body; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Warren Thompson of Savona, New York, for his distinguished military
service in World War II; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated
during Memorial Day ceremonies in Savona, New York, to be held on
Monday, May 28, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Born on June 20, 1924, in the family farm house in Eagle
Valley in Steuben County, New York, Warren Thompson graduated from Savo-
na Central School in 1942; and
WHEREAS, Eager to join the Armed Forces of the United States during
World War II, Warren Thompson enlisted in the United States Army and was
ordered to active duty on the next day, September 25, 1942; he took the
Air Cadet examination and on August 30, 1943, he was commissioned a
Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps; and
WHEREAS, After training, Warren Thompson deployed to the European
Theatre as a pilot on an A-20 Douglas Light Bomber crew and was assigned
to the 647th Bomb Squadron, a part of the 410th Bomb Group; and
WHEREAS, On May 27, 1944, Warren Thompson was shot down on a combat
mission over Amiens, France; he eluded capture by the Germans and worked
with the Free French underground for almost two months; and
WHEREAS, After his capture by the German military on July 20, 1944,
Warren Thompson was sent to Buchenwald concentration camp and then to
Stalag Luft 3, a prisoner of war camp; he was later liberated by Ameri-
can Army troops in 1945; and
WHEREAS, Warren Thompson continued to serve in the United States Army
Air Corps following the conclusion of World War II until his discharge
on March 10, 1950, he served on active duty for almost eight years; and
WHEREAS, Upon his discharge from the United States Army Air Corps,
Warren Thompson returned to the family farm in Eagle Valley where he
still resides; he and his farm, now referred to as "Thompson Farms" are
iconic for many people in Steuben County, due in large measure to his
legendary honesty and work ethic; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Warren Thompson has been involved in the Savona
School Board for 13 years and served as its President for nine years; he
also served as a rural postal carrier for 37 years, and as Commander of
Post 1470, VFW, Bath, New York; he was also a member of the Town of Bath
Planning Board; and
WHEREAS, Married on August 5, 1945, to the late Ruby Lloyd, Warren
Thompson and his wife were the proud parents of three children: Becky,
Doris and Gary; they were also blessed with five grandchildren, Brett,
Jason, Jennifer, Ryan and Cassi, and had three great-grandchildren,
Meghan, Kade and Alexa; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Warren Thompson has

stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; 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 Warren Thompson of Savona, New York, on the occasion of Memorial
Day 2012 for his distinguished military service in World War II; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution; suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Warren Thompson.