Senate Resolution No. 3989

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING Arthur E. Thompson posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

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 peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Arthur E.
Thompson posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate, to be presented at the Schenectady County
Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at the
VFW Post 357, Schenectady, New York; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Born on February 8, 1922, Arthur E. Thompson proudly served
his country as a member of the United States Navy with honor and
distinction from December 15, 1942 until June 30, 1970; and

WHEREAS, During his more than 26 years of active duty, Arthur E.
Thompson served his Nation in a variety of demanding capacities; and

WHEREAS, From March of 1944 until October of 1947, Arthur E.
Thompson served as Co-Pilot and Pilot in various Fleet Tactical Support
Squadrons and saw action in the Pacific Theatre during World War II;
from there, this brave soldier was assigned to United States Naval Air
Station Corpus Christi, Texas as a flight instructor; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his tour of duty, Arthur E. Thompson
was selected to attend the University of Washington, which he completed
in 1954; he was then selected to attend the General Line School at Naval
Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, where he graduated in
September of 1954; and

WHEREAS, Arthur E. Thompson was then assigned to the USS Rochester
as Main Battery Officer and later as the Assistant Gunnery Officer; in
July of 1956, he was transferred to the USS Fechteler as Executive
Officer and Navigator; and

WHEREAS, In February of 1957, Arthur E. Thompson was assigned to the
United States Naval Auxiliary Air Station, where he was responsible for
the training of young naval aviation officers; from February of 1960

until February of 1963, he was assigned to Air Early Warning Squadron
and spent many trying hours as an Aircraft Commander and Flight Training
Officer; and

WHEREAS, Arthur E. Thompson served as Executive Officer of Training
Squadron Two from March of 1963 until October of 1964, when he reported
to his final duty station as Director and Assistant Director of the
first Navy Recruiting Area; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Arthur E. Thompson was awarded
the National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Navy Occupation
Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign
Medal, American Campaign Medal and Air Medal, 1 Gold Star; and

WHEREAS, Arthur E. Thompson was the loving husband to his wife, the
late Jeanette E. Thompson, the proud father of three children, and the
doting grandfather of two grandchildren; 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 his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Arthur E. Thompson 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 Arthur E. Thompson posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Arthur E. Thompson.