Senate Resolution No. 2361

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Ralph R. Kring 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 Ralph R.
Kring 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, Ralph R. Kring is being honored by the Columbia County
Honor a Veteran Committee during their Honor a Veteran Ceremony on
Monday, June 29, 2026 at the Columbia County office building in Hudson,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Ralph R. Kring was born on January 9, 1926, to Ira Raymond
and Hellen Marie (Darrow) Kring in Ogdensburg, New York; he spent his
childhood in Hudson, New York, and graduated from Hudson Central School
In 1944; and

WHEREAS, Upon graduating high school, Ralph R. Kring enlisted in the
United States Army in 1944, and, after completing basic training and
parachute training, Tech/4 Ralph R. Kring was sent to the Philippines
and Japan to serve during WWII as an Engineering Supply Technician until
his discharge in 1947; and

WHEREAS, After his discharge from the United States Army, Ralph R.
Kring joined the New York National Guard in 1949, serving with Co. B,
152 Engineer Bn in Hudson, New York; and

WHEREAS, Upon reenlistment in 1952, Master Sergeant Ralph R. Kring
led a platoon until 1961, when he reenlisted again; he served admirably
as Sergeant First Class in the New York State National Guard until his
retirement on October 30, 1968; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service throughout his lifetime, Ralph
R. Kring was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific
Theater Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, New York State Award for Long &
Faithful Service, and M1 Carbine Expert Badge; and

WHEREAS, Outside of his military service, Ralph R. Kring worked as
an electrician, carpenter, and truck driver until 1950, and later worked

for National Grid, also known as Niagara Mohawk Corp., where he retired
after 36 years as a line foreman; and

WHEREAS, In 1950, Ralph R. Kring married Florence Ellen Schrader,
and together they shared the joy of raising their seven children,
Deborah Lee, Donna Lynn, Patricia, Bonnie, Ralph, Kevin, and Mark; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his lifetime, Ralph R. Kring made substantial
efforts to remain involved in his community, and he was a member of the
Ghent Fire Company No. 1, Hudson Edmond Hose Fire Company No. 1, Ghent
VFW No. 5933, Hudson Elks No. 787, Kinderhook Elks No. 2530, and
Chatham American Legion No. 42; and

WHEREAS, With a desire to give back to others, Ralph R. Kring served
as the Christmas Toy Relief Fund Commander; and

WHEREAS, For his lifetime of service, Ralph R. Kring was recognized
and honored in the New York State Veterans' Hall of Fame; his legacy
stands as a stellar example of public service and selfless dedication to
the betterment of others; and

WHEREAS, Ralph R. Kring died on May 9, 2021, at the age of 95; 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,
Ralph R. Kring 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 Ralph R. Kring 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 Ralph R. Kring.