Senate Resolution No. 1419

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Clifford J. Lange 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 Clifford
J. Lange 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, Clifford J. Lange was born on June 20, 1941 in Troy, New
York to Donna and Clifford Lange; he graduated from Albany High School
before being recruited to serve the Nation; and

WHEREAS, Entering into the United States Marine Corp on July 14,
1960, Clifford J. Lange served as an Aviation Photo Technician with the
Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron 2(VMCJ-2), 2nd Marine Aircraft
Wing; and

WHEREAS, VMCJ-2 made its mark on history by becoming the first
Marine unit to be awarded a Navy Unit Commendation in peacetime for its
electronic and photo reconnaissance missions tracking the buildup of
Soviet supplied military capabilities in communist Cuba during the Cuban
Missile Crisis; as part of this mission, Clifford J. Lange would often
photograph Soviet missiles in Cuba; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Cold War, Clifford J.
Lange rose to the rank of Lance Corporal and was awarded the Naval Unit
Commendation, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Marine Corp Expeditionary
Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on July 13,
1964, Clifford J. Lange was an insurance agent for Prudential Insurance
for 38 years, retiring in 2006; and

WHEREAS, Clifford J. Lange was married to the love of his life,
Diane, for 51 years, together they had one son James and made a lifetime
of memories which will forever be cherished; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Clifford J. Lange was a devoted
member of the Town of Malta Republican Committee, serving on the
Planning Boards and as Malta Town Councilman for 26 years, was a member
of the Ballston Spa Lions Club, Franklin Masonic Lodge 22, the Malta

Rotary Club, and enjoyed taking photos for the Malta Ridge Volunteer
Fire Department; he was also a member of the Malta Ridge Methodist
Church assisting every year with their Chicken Barbeque; and

WHEREAS, Clifford J. Lange died on December 30, 2021, at the age of
80; he leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time
and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended;
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,
Clifford J. Lange 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 Clifford J. Lange 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 Clifford J. Lange.