Senate Resolution No. 2369

BY: Senator ROLISON

COMMENDING James Crifo 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 James
Crifo 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, James Crifo, with the knowledge and skills of an
electrician, was enlisted as a member of the 101st Airborne Division as
a communication specialist; and

WHEREAS, Shortly after midnight on D-Day, James Crifo and the 101st
Airborne Division dropped behind Utah Beach and secured the town of
Saint-Mere Eglise, France and the roads passing through it; as a
communications specialist, he was in the first echelon of those who
landed; and

WHEREAS, James Crifo, playing a vital role in the war effort, was
transferred to glider assault where he manned a glider that carried a
pilot, six soldiers, and a trailer of communications equipment; upon his
landing, he was captured by German soldiers and taken as a prisoner of
war; and

WHEREAS, After being relocated multiple times, James Crifo found
himself in a work camp; after falling ill, he was transferred to a
German hospital and liberated thereafter in May of 1945; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, James Crifo
was awarded the French government's highest civilian or military honor,
the "Legion d'honneur"; and

WHEREAS, James Crifo celebrated his 100th birthday in 2026; in
taking time to reflect upon his military service and full life, he
encourages others to practice kindness to others and to be grateful for
life and its valuable freedoms; 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 and 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,
James Crifo 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 James Crifo 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 James Crifo.