Senate Resolution No. 1299

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Thomas J. Messore Sr. 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 Thomas J.
Messore Sr. 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, Thomas J. Messore Sr., affectionately known to many as
"Hardware," is being honored by the Saratoga County Veterans Service
Agency; and

WHEREAS, Thomas J. Messore Sr. entered the U.S. Navy on February 3,
1943, and trained at the Naval Training Station in Sampson, New York;
following training, he was assigned to the Armed Guard Center at the
Brooklyn Naval Yard, and after gunnery school training, he went on to
guard merchant class ships; and

WHEREAS, An admired man with a great skillset, Thomas J. Messore Sr.
would participate in arctic supply convoys to the USSR in what later
became known as the Murmansk Runs to Russia; he was later reassigned to
other ships and ended his service onboard LSM-100; and

WHEREAS, Thomas J. Messore Sr. was discharged from active duty on
January 19, 1946, at the rank of Seaman First Class; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service and dedication, Thomas J.
Messore Sr. earned several commendations, including the WWII Victory
Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the European African Middle East
Campaign Medal; and

WHEREAS, Following his military service, Thomas J. Messore Sr.
worked at the Westvaco Paper Mill in Mechanicville for over 30 years and
then as a vehicle detailer for New Country for several years before his
retirement; and

WHEREAS, Living a life devoted to service to others, Thomas J.
Messore Sr. served as a past fire chief for the Stillwater Fire
Department and was a valued member of the Stillwater Rescue Squad; in
his leisure, he enjoyed bowling and was the treasurer of the
Mechanicville-Stillwater Bowling league; he was also a member of the

Sons of Italy, the American Legion Post 490, and was an honorary life
member of the Mechanicville Area Seniors; and

WHEREAS, This noble veteran was married to his beloved wife, Frances
Messore, and together they had four cherished children; and

WHEREAS, Thomas J. Messore Sr. died on December 24, 2021; 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,
Thomas J. Messore Sr. 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 Thomas J. Messore Sr. 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 Thomas J. Messore Sr.