Senate Resolution No. 1240

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Joseph W. Van Deusen 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, 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 Joseph W.
Van Deusen 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 Columbia
County Honor A Veteran Ceremony on Monday, April 22, 2019; 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, Joseph Warren Van Deusen was born to Charles and Magdalene
(Spath) Van Deusen on December 26, 1918, in Hudson, New York; he
graduated from the Hudson Central School District where he served as
class President for three years; and

WHEREAS, Joseph W. Van Deusen worked as a shipping and receiving
clerk before entering into the United States Army on August 30, 1943;
upon the successful completion of basic training, he received Basic
Pilot Training (1051 Pilot T E) at Shaw Field, South Carolina, and
Advanced Pilot Training at Turner Field, Georgia, where he was qualified
to fly a B-25; and

WHEREAS, 1st Lieutenant Joseph W. Van Deusen was assigned to
Squadron E. 112 AAF at Westover Field, Massachusetts, where he trained
hundreds of servicemen who flew B-25s and the P-47s in the European
Theater of Operation; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, 1st
Lieutenant Joseph W. Van Deusen was awarded the American Theater Ribbon
and the Victory Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on December 1,
1945, Joseph W. Van Deusen returned to his hometown and married the
former Alice E. Hennessy on April 26, 1947, and together, they raised
three children, Dirck, Kathleen and Christine; and

WHEREAS, For 38 years, Joseph W. Van Deusen served as President and
CEO for Hudson City Savings Institution, the positions from which he
officially retired in 1982; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, Joseph W. Van Deusen was a member
of numerous Boards including BOCES, Columbia County Industry Management

Club, Empire State Certified Development Corporation, and Greater Hudson
Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Joseph W. Van Deusen also held the titles of President of
Greenport and Hudson Board of Education, co-Chair for the Community
Chest and Red Cross Drives, Director AAA Hudson Valley, President of
both Greenport Historical Society and the Hudson Rotary Club, and
Deacon, Elder/Treasurer of the First Reform Church of Hudson; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his
community, Joseph W. Van Deusen was the recipient of the Hudson Jaycee
Distinguished Service Award; and

WHEREAS, When he was not helping someone, Joseph W. Van Deusen
enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his four
grandchildren, and hitting the links at the Columbia Golf and Country
Club; and

WHEREAS, Joseph W. Van Deusen passed away on March 31, 2017, at the
age of 98, and was buried in Cedar Park Cemetery, Hudson; 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,
Joseph W. Van Deusen 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 commending Joseph W. Van Deusen 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 Joseph W. Van Deusen.