Senate Resolution No. 1118

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Private First Class Ronald K. Jablanski
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, 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 commend Private
First Class Ronald K. Jablanski 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 celebrated at a ceremony
on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Elks Lodge No. 787, Hudson, New York; he
was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal with V Device for Valor; 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, Private First Class Ronald K. Jablanski is being commended
for his heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against
the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Rifleman with
Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division; and

WHEREAS, On the night of September 13, 1969, during Operation Idaho
Canyon, Company L was moving to establish a night defensive perimeter on
a hill in the Mutter's Ridge area of Quang Tri Province when the lead
platoon came under intense fire from a well-concealed North Vietnamese
Army force, pinning down the point men; and

WHEREAS, Rapidly assessing the situation, Private First Class Ronald
K. Jablanski unhesitatingly moved to the forward position, quickly
established firing positions for two machine gun teams, and effectively
directed their fire; and

WHEREAS, Then, with complete disregard for his own safety, he
fearlessly led an aggressive assault through the entrenched enemy force
and boldly continued until he reached the top of the hill and secured
his position; and

WHEREAS, Private First Class Ronald K. Jablanski's superb leadership
and valiant actions inspired an aggressive fighting spirit within his
men and they decisively defeated the enemy; and

WHEREAS, This brave Marine's courage, bold initiative, and
unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the
United States Naval Service; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Private First Class Ronald K. Jablanski 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
commend Private First Class Ronald K. Jablanski 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 Private First Class Ronald K. Jablanski.