Senate Resolution No. 2186

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING John W. Martin 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 John W.
Martin 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 Saratoga County Honor a
Deceased Veteran Ceremony at the County Building in Ballston Spa, New
York, on Tuesday, October 15, 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, John William Martin was born to George and Nellie Martin on
February 9, 1927, in Northumberland, New York; after graduating from
Schuylerville High School, he proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Marines during World War II, and then the National
Guard Company L 105 Infantry in Saratoga Springs, New York; and

WHEREAS, In April of 1950, John W. Martin enlisted in the United
States Army with the Medical Company 32nd Infantry Regiment 7th Infantry
Division; at the age of 23, he was listed MIA after he was lost while
engaged in combat operations against the Chinese Peoples Volunteer
Forces in the area of the Chosin Reservoir; and

WHEREAS, On December 31, 1953, Private First Class John W. Martin
was officially listed as KIA; almost 65 years later, his remains were
accompanied home by his great-grandnephew, and they were finally laid to
rest with full military honors on December 2, 2018, at Prospect Hill
Cemetery in Schuylerville; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II and the
Korean War, John W. Martin was awarded the Purple Heart, the Army Good
Combat Ribbon, the Combat Medical Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the
United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the
Korean War Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal; 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,
John W. Martin 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 John W. Martin 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 John W. Martin.