Senate Resolution No. 2372

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Richard Henry Wolfe 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 Richard
Henry Wolfe 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, Richard Henry Wolfe is being honored by the Columbia County
Honor a Veteran Committee during their Honor a Veterans Ceremony; and

WHEREAS, Richard H. Wolfe was born on March 29, 1941, to Richard J.
and Thelma Lezette Wolfe in Hudson, New York; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Columbia County, Richard H. Wolfe
graduated from Oakway High School in 1959; and

WHEREAS, Shortly after graduating high school, Richard H. Wolfe
enlisted in the United States Navy on July 22, 1959, and he attended
basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station before receiving advanced
training as a diesel motor mechanic at the Naval Training Center in
Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Upon completion of his training, Richard H. Wolfe was
qualified to serve on submarines; between 1960 and 1963, Richard H.
Wolfe was assigned to serve on the USS Bang as a machinist mate second
class; and

WHEREAS, During Richard H. Wolfe's service, the USS Bang, a 1526-ton
Balao class submarine stationed out of the United States Naval Submarine
Base in New London, Connecticut, operated in the Atlantic on operations
and training exercises as a part of the national fleet readiness during
the Cold War; and

WHEREAS, Richard H. Wolfe was honorably discharged on July 17, 1963;
for his courageous service aboard the USS Bang, Richard H. Wolfe was
awarded the Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, On March 25, 1961, Richard H. Wolfe married his beloved
wife, Suzanne Surprenant, and together they shared the joy of raising
their three sons, Richard L., Robert G., and Brian J. Wolfe; and


WHEREAS, Upon returning home, Richard H. Wolfe worked as a truck
driver for Philmont Fuel Supply and Harder's Express in Claverack, New
York, until his retirement in the 1990s; and

WHEREAS, Outside of work, Richard H. Wolfe remained very involved in
his community; he was a proud member of the Melleville Volunteer Fire
Company, Philmont Rescue Squad, Philmont Rotary Club, Philmont Methodist
Church, Philmont American Legion, and Berkshire Hillsmen Barber Shop
Chorus, in addition to serving as an election day poll site custodian in
Chatham and Philmont; and

WHEREAS, Richard H. Wolfe died on December 27, 2022, at the age of
81; 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,
Richard H. Wolfe 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 Richard Henry Wolfe 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 Richard Henry Wolfe.