Senate Resolution No. 2188

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING John C. Simonik, Sr. 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 C.
Simonik, Sr. 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, John Charles Simonik, Sr. was born to Catherine (Fimonick)
and Wallace M. Simonik on June 21, 1925, in Plainville, Connecticut; he
and his family moved to upstate New York, where he attended Troy City
Schools; and

WHEREAS, After graduating, John C. Simonik, Sr. worked for
Behr-Manning Co. before enlisting in the United States Army on October
10, 1943, at Camp Upton, New York; he proudly served his country as a
Light Mortar Crewman with the 351st Infantry, 88th Infantry Division in
the Rome Arno Campaign, the North Apennines Campaign and the Po Valley
Campaign during World War II; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Second World War,
John C. Simonik, Sr. was awarded the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf
Cluster after being wounded twice during his time in service; once at
Mount Grande and then again at Castel del Rio; he was also the recipient
of the European-African-Middle-Eastern Theater Ribbon with three Bronze
Stars, Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge and World War II
Victory Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on November 7,
1945, John C. Simonik, Sr. returned to his hometown, and has worked as
an equipment operator with Niagara-Mohawk Power Corporation for 36
years; and

WHEREAS, On May 1, 1948, John C. Simonik, Sr. married the former
Joyce Ann Wentzel-Simonik, and together, they raised two sons, John
Charles, Jr. and Joseph Francis; he was also the loving grandfather of
two grandchildren, Joseph Francis and Stephanie; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, John C. Simonik, Sr. was a
communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Troy, and a vital member of the 25

Year Club of Niagara Mohawk, the North Greenbush Post, American Legion
and the Geerholt-Rehm Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Wynantskill; 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 C. Simonik, Sr. 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 C. Simonik, Sr. 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 C. Simonik, Sr.