Senate Resolution No. 4167

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING Samuel W. Johnson 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 Samuel W.
Johnson 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 Albany County
Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, March 20, 2018; 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 May 10, 1945, in Glens Falls, New York, Samuel W.
"Sam" Johnson graduated from Hadley-Luzerne School in 1964; and

WHEREAS, Samuel W. Johnson entered into the United States Air Force
on September 22, 1964; he completed training courses in Survival
Training, Special Air Warfare, Weapons Maintenance Supervision and
Weapons Mechanic Training before being sent to Vietnam in 1967; and

WHEREAS, This brave soldier was stationed at Bien Hoa for his entire
tour, and was assigned to the 3rd Air Commando Squadron, the 4th Air
Commando Squadron, and later, the 14th Special Operations Wing; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious military career, Samuel W.
Johnson served as a gunner on the Air Force AC-47 Spooky gunship, "Puff
the Magic Dragon"; he flew more than 300 night missions, including
missions during the TET offensive, before being discharged on September
17, 1968, at the rank of Staff Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Samuel
W. Johnson was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam
Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam
Gallantry Cross with Palm, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal, and
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Samuel W.
Johnson worked as a Lineman and Line Foreman for Niagara Mohawk for 31
years, retiring in December of 2000; in addition, he served as a Town of

Day Councilman for 16 years, and as a member of the Board of Assessment
of Review and Cemetery Committee; and

WHEREAS, Samuel W. Johnson was a true asset to his community and an
active supporter of Veteran-related causes and organizations, serving as
an active member of the VFW Post No. 5836 and Masonic Unity Lodge No.
22; and

WHEREAS, An avid hunter, Samuel W. Johnson was a 53-year member of
the Hadley Hunting Club, which his father helped build and his
grandfather donated the land in 1935; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Samuel W. Johnson 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 Samuel W. Johnson 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 Samuel W. Johnson.