Senate Resolution No. 2021

BY: Senator JACOBS

HONORING veteran Charles N. DeGlopper posthumously
for his courageous military service as a member of
the United States Army during the battle for
Normandy, France, in conjunction with the 75th
Anniversary of D-Day

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, deserve a special salute from this
Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor veteran
Charles N. DeGlopper posthumously for his courageous military service as
a member of the United States Army during the battle for Normandy,
France, in conjunction with the 75th Anniversary of D-Day; and

WHEREAS, Charles Neilans DeGlopper was born to Mary (Neilans) and
Charles Leonard DeGlopper on November 30, 1921, in Grand Island, New
York; after graduating from Tonawanda High School in June of 1941, he
entered the United States Army in November of 1942; and

WHEREAS, Charles N. DeGlopper trained at Camp Croft, South Carolina,
and was deployed overseas in April of 1943, where he proudly served his
country in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and France; and

WHEREAS, As a Private First Class, United States Army, Co. C, 325th
Glider Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division, Charles N. DeGlopper was part
of Operation Neptune, the Allied invasion of Normandy; and

WHEREAS, Just three days later on June 9, 1944, regimental commander
Colonel Harry Lewis was ordered to make a crossing of the Merderet River
and help attack the La Fiere Bridge from the opposite side; seeing a
small fording area across the river, Colonel Lewis sent his 1st
Battalion to wade across under cover of darkness, and attack the force
defending the bridge; and

WHEREAS, Themselves under attack, C Company 1st Battalion was cut
off from the rest of the battalion and despite himself coming under
increased fire, Private First Class Charles N. DeGlopper stood up and
began to fire his Browning Automatic Rifle at the attacking Germans in
an attempt to suppress their fire and relieve the battalion; and

WHEREAS, Although wounded, Private First Class Charles N. DeGlopper
continued to stand and fire, and when hit yet again, still fired
although kneeling and bleeding profusely; meanwhile, as the Germans were
distracted and occupied with his automatic fire, the remainder of C
Company was able to break off and head for La Fiere to join the rest of
their battalion; and

WHEREAS, Unfortunately, Charles N. DeGlopper succumbed to his
injuries, making the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Charles N.
DeGlopper was the only soldier from the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment
to receive the Medal of Honor, and the only World War II soldier from
the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army to receive the
award for action during the Normandy Campaign; and

WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New
York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave;
and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which Charles N. DeGlopper served his country; having exhibited his
patriotism both at home and abroad, he demonstrated his love for his
country and merits forevermore, the highest respect of his State and
Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor veteran Charles N. DeGlopper posthumously for his courageous
military service as a member of the United States Army during the battle
for Normandy, France, in conjunction with the 75th Anniversary of D-Day;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Charles N. DeGlopper.