Senate Resolution No. 507

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Walter Harry Bethel posthumously upon
the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on April 8, 2019

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; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Walter
Harry Bethel posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran
Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, April 8, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Walter Harry Bethel was born on November 12, 1924, in
Milford, Massachusetts, the son of Walter Daniel Bethel and Natalina
"Tillie" Donini Bethel; growing up in Cohoes and Lansingburgh, New York,
he attended Cohoes High School and worked for a short time running a
folding machine at Field and Hatch Knitting Company; and

WHEREAS, On December 11, 1941, Walter Harry Bethel enlisted in the
United States Navy and proudly served his country as a Seaman 2nd Class
on the USS Ingraham (DD-444); and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Walter
Harry Bethel was awarded the American Campaign Medal,
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS, On the night of August 22, 1942, the USS Ingraham collided
with the USS Chemung (AO-30) in heavy fog off the coast of Nova Scotia;
the USS Ingraham sank almost immediately, and depth charges on her stern
exploded; and

WHEREAS, Walter Harry Bethel was officially declared Killed in
Action (KIA) on August 23, 1943, at the age of 17; and

WHEREAS, A headstone has been placed in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga
National Cemetery in memory of Walter Harry Bethel; 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,
Walter Harry Bethel 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 Walter Harry Bethel posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on April 8, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Walter Harry Bethel.