Senate Resolution No. 1260

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING John J. O'Brien 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 John J.
O'Brien 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 Veterans Ceremony on Tuesday, August 19, 2025; 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, John "Jack" O'Brien was born on September 23, 1929, in
Brooklyn, New York, to John and Julia O'Brien; he dedicated his life to
service, family, and country; and

WHEREAS, Jack O'Brien honorably entered the United States Army on
January 5, 1949, where he served as Communications Chief with the B
Battery, 68th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion; and

WHEREAS, In July 1950, Jack O'Brien and the 68th AAA Battalion
deployed from Fort Lewis, Washington, and arrived in Korea in September
1950; the 68th AAA Battalion holds the distinction of being the first
Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion to fire in combat in Korea; and

WHEREAS, During his extended service in Korea, Jack O'Brien
demonstrated exceptional bravery and commitment to duty, ultimately
being discharged on January 4, 1952, at the rank of Technical Sergeant;
and

WHEREAS, For his distinguished service, Jack O'Brien was awarded the
Korean Service Medal with five Bronze Campaign Stars, recognizing his
participation in multiple major operations during the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, Following his military service, Jack O'Brien enjoyed a long
and successful career with New York Telephone, later Verizon, serving
for 28 years and retiring as Northeast Area Director of the
Communications Workers of America; and

WHEREAS, Jack O'Brien was a devoted husband to Janice, with whom he
shared 70 years of marriage and raised six children; and

WHEREAS, During his retirement, Jack O'Brien embraced a life of
fulfillment and community involvement, finding joy in boating and

earning distinction as a Master Gardener; he remained deeply devoted to
his fellow veterans through active membership in the Adirondack Chapter
60 Korean War Veterans, where he honorably served in multiple
capacities, including Color Guard, Director for three years, and MIA-POW
Officer; and

WHEREAS, Jack O'Brien's steadfast commitment to honoring military
service and camaraderie was further demonstrated by his unwavering
participation in the Korean 68th AAA Gun Battalion reunions, which he
faithfully attended for two decades; and

WHEREAS, Jack O'Brien passed away on December 6, 2023, leaving
behind a legacy of valor, civic dedication, and profound family values;
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,
Jack O'Brien 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 John J. O'Brien 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 John J. O'Brien.