Senate Resolution No. 2377

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING 1st Lieutenant John A. Mancini
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 1st
Lieutenant John A. Mancini 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, 1st Lieutenant John A. Mancini is being honored by the
Saratoga County Honor a Veteran Committee during their Honor a Veteran
Ceremony; and

WHEREAS, John A. Mancini was born on April 23, 1919, in Ballston
Lake, New York, to Angelo and Maria; and

WHEREAS, At a young age, John A. Mancini suffered from tuberculosis,
making him weaker than other boys his age; he was later sent to live
with Parish Priest Daniel Hogan to get additional help and support; and

WHEREAS, While living with Father Daniel Hogan, John A. Mancini was
a part of Father Daniel Hogan's boxing school; at Ballston Lake High
School, he excelled in his academics and served as class president
during his last two years; and

WHEREAS, After completing high school, John A. Mancini attended
Siena College for two years, which is when his love for flying grew; he
participated in Siena Aviation Club's Civil Aeronautics Training School
and learned to fly out of Albany Airport; and

WHEREAS, John A. Mancini bravely joined the United States Army Air
Corps on October 31, 1941, in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, As a trained pilot, John A. Mancini was assigned to the
17th Photographic Squadron, 4th Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping
Group, 13th Air Force; his primary responsibility was to conduct
photographic and visual searches in the Pacific region during World War
II, in addition to occasionally transporting high-ranking officers and
officials; and

WHEREAS, On April 22, 1943, John A. Mancini departed from
Guadalcanal for a photo recon mission on a Lockheed F5 Lightning
aircraft despite there being reports of thunderheads and squall lines in
the area; during this mission, John A. Mancini's aircraft went off
radar, and he was never heard from again; and

WHEREAS, John A. Mancini was listed as missing in action after this
flight, and was later declared deceased on December 17, 1945; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service in the United States Army Air
Corps, John A. Mancini was awarded the Air Medal and the Purple Heart;
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,
John A. Mancini 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 1st Lieutenant John A. Mancini 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 1st Lieutenant John A. Mancini.