Senate Resolution No. 1631

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Philip R. Bower 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 honor Philip R.
Bower 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

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, Philip R. Bower was born on May 9, 1925, to Leo and Vera
(Baldwin) Bower in Hudson, New York, and attended the local school
district; and

WHEREAS, Philip R. Bower entered the United States Army on May 16,
1944; he completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, where he
qualified on the M1 Garand rifle and then received additional training
as a carpenter; and

WHEREAS, On October 31, 1944, Philip R. Bower was assigned to the
infantry in the Panama Canal; the Panama Canal was invaluable for the
defense and commerce between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing its importance, both Japan and Germany had
plans to attack the canal; submarines did venture near it, but the
Panama Canal was never in imminent danger; as a part of his assignment,
Philip R. Bower attended ordinance school as an armorer artificer,
attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant (T-5); and WHEREAS, T/Sgt.
Philip R. Bower was responsible for maintenance and care of weapons in
his unit protecting this valuable asset which proved to be strategically
important to the Allied powers' success during World War II; T/Sgt.
Philip R. Bower returned to the United States on February 14, 1946, and
was honorably discharged on February 26, 1946, at Fort Dix, New Jersey;
and

WHEREAS, For his service, T/Sgt. Philip R. Bower was awarded the
American Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal; and

WHEREAS, T/Sgt. Philip R. Bower met and married Thelma Snyder on
September 24, 1948, in Livingston, New York, and together they raised
four children; and

WHEREAS, He was employed by Atlas Cement Company of Hudson and
worked as an electrician and carpenter while also working as a plumber
for Jim Ryan for over 20 years; he was a member of Hudson Washington
Hose Fire Company, American Legion Post No. 184, the Hudson Fish and
Game Club and the Hudson Boat Club; and

WHEREAS, Philip R. Bower died on November 14, 1984, at the age of
59, and is buried in Cedar Park Cemetery in Hudson, New York; he was
survived by his wife, Thelma; four children, Philip (Jr.), Lawrence,
Vera Ellen and Leo; and 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Philip R. Bower 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 Philip R. Bower 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 Philip R. Bower.