Senate Resolution No. 2379

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING James R. Peluso 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 James R.
Peluso 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, James R. Peluso, of the City of Mechanicville, New York,
will be honored posthumously at the Saratoga County Honor our Deceased
Veterans Ceremony on Tuesday, October 20, 2026; 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 R. Peluso was born on August 13, 1949, to Rocco and
Jane; he grew up on Saratoga Avenue and lived his entire life in
Mechanicville, graduating from high school in 1967; and

WHEREAS, James R. Peluso entered into the U.S. Army on October 30,
1967, where he served with Company A of the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry
Regiment, known as the "Iron Rangers" of the 1st Infantry Division ("Big
Red One"); and

WHEREAS, James R. Peluso served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969; as an
Infantry squad leader and platoon sergeant, his unit nicknamed him
"Sergeant Ambush" to reflect his countless five-man night ambush patrols
that he successfully led in the Iron Triangle; and

WHEREAS, A man of great courage and sacrifice, James R. Peluso was
seriously wounded in action twice, first in 1968 and then again in 1969
when he was medically evacuated from Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, For his valuable service in the war, James R. Peluso was
awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the National Defense
Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign
Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, Honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on August 22, 1970,
James R. Peluso held the rank of Staff Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, After his return from Vietnam, James R. Peluso met his wife
of 52 years, Susan, and together they had four children; and

WHEREAS, James R. Peluso served veterans, his community, his family
and friends his entire life; he earned his associate degree at Hudson
Valley Community College, his bachelor's degree at Marist College, and
his master's degree at the SUNY Rockefeller College of Public Affairs &
Policy; and

WHEREAS, For over 40 years, James R. Peluso worked assiduously as an
advocate for veterans, providing counseling, employment, housing,
rehabilitation, and supportive services to veterans and their families;
he was appointed by the New York State governor to serve in the position
of State Director of the New York State Department of Veterans Affairs;
and

WHEREAS, James R. Peluso later served as Program Manager for the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care for Homeless Veterans
and, after his retirement, was asked to serve as the New York State
Director of Operations for SoldierOn; and

WHEREAS, Forever dedicated to making a difference in the lives of
countless New Yorkers and Americans, James R. Peluso served as National
Vice-President and Legislative Chair for the National Association of
State Directors of Veterans Affairs, served on President Clinton's
Veterans Roundtable, and served as State Legislative Chair and Board
Member of the New York State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America; and

WHEREAS, A lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans, Military
Order of the Purple Heart, and the Tri-Council of Vietnam Era Veterans,
James R. Peluso served his hometown as past chair of the Mechanicville
Council of Veterans, helping assure that Mechanicville veterans were not
forgotten; and

WHEREAS, James R. Peluso served as Master of Ceremonies for Memorial
Day and Veterans Day observances, helped to organize the re-dedication
of Patenaude Park and the Veterans Bridge, and raised funds for the
placement of a Monument to Mechanicville Veterans at the Saratoga
National Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, James R. Peluso also served his community as a two-term
City Council Commissioner of Finance, Chair of the City Civil Service
Commission, Treasurer of the Community Development Agency, Board Member
of the Mechanicville-Stillwater IDA, and President of the Mechanicville
Community Center for 10 years; and

WHEREAS, With a deep passion for serving his community, James R.
Peluso was also Co-Chair of the Mechanicville Italian American War
Veterans Post No. 21, a member of the American Legion Post No. 91, Past
Grand Knight of the Mechanicville Council Knights of Columbus, an Elks
member, a past member of the W.B. Neilson Hose Company No. 4 and
Mechanicville Fire Department, and a Little League coach; and

WHEREAS, With a life marked by bravery, selfless service to others,
and a deep love for his family, friends, fellow veterans, and community,
James R. Peluso died on February 16, 2026; 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,
James R. Peluso demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend James R. Peluso 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 James R. Peluso.