Senate Resolution No. 2381

BY: Senator STEC

COMMENDING Corporal William L. Rood upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a New
York State Senate Liberty Medal, the highest honor
bestowed upon an individual by the New York State
Senate

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
individuals whose extraordinary service to their country, dedication to
their community, and commitment to the welfare of others exemplify the
highest ideals of citizenship; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Corporal William
L. Rood, United States Army veteran of the Korean War and lifelong
resident of Canton, New York, upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the prestigious New York State Senate Liberty Medal, in
recognition of his distinguished military service, decades of public
service, and enduring contributions to his community; 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, Corporal Rood enlisted in the United States Army in 1949
and served in the Korean War from 1950 through 1952 with Company C, 13th
Engineer Combat Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, participating in the
historic amphibious landing at Inchon and subsequent operations on the
Korean Peninsula; and

WHEREAS, During the Korean War, Corporal Rood endured the harrowing
Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, one of the conflict's most brutal
engagements, where United Nations forces faced overwhelming enemy
numbers, encirclement, and temperatures reaching 35 degrees below zero;
the extraordinary courage and perseverance of the servicemembers who
survived this ordeal earned them the enduring names "Chosin Few" and
"Frozen Chosin"; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Rood continues to suffer from frostbite sustained
during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, a lasting reminder of the
extreme hardships he endured in defense of freedom; following his
service in combat, he returned to Korea with his unit to repair damaged
supply lines, construct bridges, clear land mines, and support frontline
operations; and

WHEREAS, For his honorable military service, Corporal Rood received
numerous commendations, including the Korean Service Medal, United
Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit
Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, New York State Medal for Merit, and
the Ambassador for Peace Medal presented by the Government of South
Korea; and

WHEREAS, Upon returning to Canton, Corporal Rood continued his
commitment to public service, joining the Village of Canton Police

Department, where he served the community with distinction for 27 years
before retiring in 1982 at the esteemed rank of Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, Demonstrating that his dedication to helping others
extended beyond law enforcement, Corporal Rood served as a driver for
the Lawrence Ambulance Company from 1983 through 1993, making numerous
life-saving trips transporting patients to hospitals, including
facilities in Syracuse; and

WHEREAS, A longtime member of VFW Post No. 52 in Canton and AMVETS
in Potsdam, Corporal Rood has participated in numerous community
activities in support of fellow veterans and the North Country; he also
served as a hunting guide for the Stillwater Club, the oldest hunting
club in New York State; and

WHEREAS, Through his military service, distinguished law enforcement
career, work with emergency medical transportation, and continued
community involvement, Corporal William L. Rood has exemplified the
values of duty, honor, courage, and selfless service, earning the
respect and gratitude of his fellow citizens; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that this Legislative Body pause
in its deliberations to recognize Corporal William L. Rood for his
exceptional military service, distinguished public service, and
unwavering commitment to the people of Canton and the State of New York;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Corporal William L. Rood upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the New York State Senate Liberty Medal, the highest honor
bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate, in recognition
of his valorous military service during the Korean War, his
distinguished career in public service, and his enduring contributions
to his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Corporal William L. Rood.