Senate Resolution No. 2247

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Francis E. Wilson 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 Francis E.
Wilson 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, Francis E. Wilson was born one of eight children to Lewis
and Mary (Barrigan) Wilson on July 6, 1922, in Saratoga Springs, New
York; and

WHEREAS, After attending St. Clements in Saratoga and St. Columbia
in Schenectady, Francis E. Wilson began his service to his country as a
member of the United States Army on August 11, 1942; and

WHEREAS, As an automatic rifleman in the 82nd Airborne Division,
this brave soldier crossed over terrain and singlehandedly knocked out a
German position, killing four enemy soldiers on the Grave Bridge in
Holland; he was subsequently awarded for Gallantry in Action in 1944;
and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Francis E.
Wilson was also awarded the Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart with one Oak
Leaf Cluster, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with
Bronze Arrow Head; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on September
23, 1945, Francis E. Wilson began his illustrious 35-year career with
JPS Products, Inc. in Schenectady, New York, where he served as a
Welder, Shop Foreman and Vice-President; additionally, he was employed
by Adirondack Beverages in Scotia, New York, for 10 years; and

WHEREAS, Francis E. Wilson and the former Freida "Peg" Taber were
united in marriage and together they raised two daughters, Patricia and
Cynthia; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Francis E. Wilson was Past
Adjutant and Past Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2303,
as well as Past Commander of the Schenectady-Schoharie Veterans Council;

he was also a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps and the local
Elks Club; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his fellow
servicemen and women, Francis E. Wilson decorated the graves of veterans
each Memorial Day for more than 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Francis E. Wilson died on October 22, 1995, at the age of
73; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his daughter Cynthia, Francis E. Wilson is
survived by his four beloved grandchildren, Jennifer, Shannon, Kenneth
and Tifany; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Francis E. Wilson 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 Francis E. Wilson 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 Francis E. Wilson.