Senate Resolution No. 1286

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Frederick J. Stark, Jr. 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 Frederick
J. Stark, Jr. 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, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. is being honored by the Columbia
County Honor a Veteran Committee during their Honor a Veteran Ceremony
on Monday, October 25, 2025, at the Columbia County office building in
Hudson, New York; and

WHEREAS, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. was born on April 25, 1925, to
Frederick J. Stark, Sr. and Beulah Augusta Stark in Hudson, New York,
and he went on to attend Iowa State University of Science and Technology
and Syracuse University; and

WHEREAS, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. entered the United States Navy on
November 4, 1943, in Albany, New York, and he received basic training in
Sampson, New York, additional PT boat training in Brandford, Virginia,
and Gyro Compass School in Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, After excelling at his trainings, Frederick J. Stark, Jr.
was assigned to the USS LST 950 in the Pacific Theater of Operations,
serving specifically in the Philippines and Okinawa campaigns; and

WHEREAS, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. was honorably discharged on June 3,
1946, at Lido Beach, New York; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service as Electrician's Mate 2nd Class,
Frederick J. Stark, Jr. was awarded the American Theater Medal,
Asiatic-Pacific Medal with two stars, Philippines Liberation Medal,
Occupation Medal, and WWII Victory Medal; and

WHEREAS, After returning to Columbia County, Frederick J. Stark,
Jr. worked for more than 30 years as a structural engineer for the New
York State Department of Transportation; his work included supervising
the design and reconstruction of many bridges throughout the Hudson
Valley region; and

WHEREAS, After retiring from the New York State Department of
Transportation, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. continued engineering under
Frederick J. Engineering Services; and

WHEREAS, As an active member in his community, Frederick J. Stark,
Jr. was known for playing the trumpet and flugelhorn in the Ghent Band,
and he was a member of the Ghent VFW Post 5933 and the Honor a Veteran
Committee of Columbia County, where he served as official bugler; and

WHEREAS, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. died on Sunday, April 2, 2017, at
the age of 91; 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,
Frederick J. Stark, Jr. 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 Frederick J. Stark, Jr. 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 Frederick J. Stark, Jr.