Senate Resolution No. 361

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Joseph Keith Wheeler 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 Joseph
Keith Wheeler 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, A resident of West Utica, New York, Joseph Keith Wheeler
was the son of Charles and Mary Wheeler; he had one brother, Charles,
and one sister, Karen; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Keith Wheeler enlisted in the United States Marine
Corps in February of 1967; during his basic training in South Carolina,
he was cited for rifle marksmanship; and

WHEREAS, Deployed to Vietnam in December of 1967, Joseph Keith
Wheeler proudly served his country as a member of the First Air Wing
Command; he was assigned as an airborne machine gunner and achieved the
esteemed rank of Private First Class; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Keith Wheeler steadfastly protected American air
convoys, bringing troops and supplies to the Marine Base Camp at Khe
Sanh, where an intense enemy attack ensued, and an urgent call went out
for volunteers to relieve his fellow Marines; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, this brave
Marine immediately volunteered and was airlifted to Khe Sanh, where he
was killed in action on March 31, 1968, at just 18 years old; he is
buried in Crown Hill Memorial Park in Utica, New York; 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,
Joseph Keith Wheeler 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 Joseph Keith Wheeler 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 Joseph Keith Wheeler.