Senate Resolution No. 2239

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Irving P. Siegel 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 peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Irving P.
Siegel 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 on Monday, November 25, 2019, at
the Columbia County Honor a Veteran Ceremony; 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, Irving Philip "Phil" Siegel was born to Sam and Cecelia
(Sasnowitz) Siegel on December 3, 1921, in New York City; after
graduating from the Hudson City School District, he attended both UCLA
at Berkley and New York University; and

WHEREAS, Irving P. Siegel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps
on May 12, 1942, in Albany, New York; he completed basic training at
Parris Island, South Carolina, before being trained as an aircraft
mechanic; and

WHEREAS, Private First Class Irving P. Siegel proudly served his
country as a member of the Marine Fighting Squadron 422 (VMF 422) in the
Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II; the VMF 422 was a
Vought F4U Corsair squadron, known as the "Flying Buccaneers," and was a
part of the campaigns of Kwajalein and Eniwetok; and

WHEREAS, During his deployment on the island of Engebi, Private
First Class Irving P. Siegel sustained serious injury to his lower leg
when his unit was attacked by enemy aircraft; two days later, he was
flown to the Hawaiian islands where he received necessary medical
attention; and

WHEREAS, After extensive rehabilitation, Private First Class Irving
P. Siegel was honorably discharged on December 13, 1944, at Mare Island
Navy Yard, California; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country
during the Second World War, Irving P. Siegel was awarded a Purple Heart
and Presidential Unit Citation; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Irving P.
Siegel returned to his hometown of Hudson, New York; he married the

former Eileen Velda Bellock on June 30, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, and
together they raised two children, Alan and Jonathan; and

WHEREAS, A self-employed businessman for nearly four decades, Irving
P. Siegel enjoyed a long and successful career as a self-employed
businessman, officially retiring from Sam Siegel and Sons, Inc.; in his
much deserved retirement, he continued to lead an active lifestyle,
whether it was traveling, bowling, golfing or spending time with his
beloved family, especially his grandson, Sam; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Irving P. Siegel was a member of Congregation Anshe Emeth,
B'Nai B'rith, VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Hudson
Elks Lodge No. 787, Washington Hose Fire Company, AARP and Winding
Brook Country Club; and

WHEREAS, Irving P. Siegel died on November 23, 2006, at the age of
84; he was interned with full military honors at Cedar Park Cemetery in
Hudson by a Marine Corps Color Guard; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Irving P. Siegel 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 Irving P. Siegel 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 Irving P. Siegel.