Senate Resolution No. 2743

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Nataleno J. Reo 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 Nataleno
J. Reo 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 celebrated at the Saratoga County Honor our
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, December 17, 2023 in Ballston Spa,
New York; 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, Nataleno "Ned" Reo was born on December 25, 1930 in
Waterford, New York, to Pasquale and Angelina (Zacarola) Reo, who both
immigrated to the United States from Italy; he graduated from Waterford
High School in 1948; and

WHEREAS, After joining the United States Marine Corps on October 19,
1950, Ned J. Reo proudly served with the 1st Marine Division in Korea;
he fought in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, later famously known as
the "Frozen Chosin," and the Battle of Hwacheon (Hill 902); and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Korean War, Ned J.
Reo was awarded the Purple Heart with Gold Star for wounds he received
on March 23, 1951 and April 24, 1951 in combat; he was also awarded the
Korean Service Medal with Bronze Campaign Star, the National Defense
Service Medal, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, the
Republic of Korea War Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential
Unit Citation Ribbon, Rifle Marksman Badge, and the United Nations
Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Ned J. Reo
worked for 38 years for General Electrical Silicones in research and
development, quality control, and customer field service, and garnered a
patent; he also co-founded and co-owned three successful businesses and
was an integral founder and Vice President of Research & Development for
Specialty Silicone Products, where he earned 12 patents; and

WHEREAS, Ned J. Reo was an avid golfer and co-owned several harness
track racing horses with his daughter; he was a volunteer fireman, as
well as a member of the Knights of Columbus, the VFW Memorial Post No.
5800, and a communicant of St. Clements Church; and

WHEREAS, Ned and his wife, the former Patricia Babbie, moved to
Saratoga Springs in November of 1993; the couple spent 46 wonderful
years living, working, and laughing together; Ned died on July 18, 2023;
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 risked their
lives for their beloved Nation; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Nataleno J. Reo 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 Nataleno J. Reo 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 Nataleno J. Reo.