Senate Resolution No. 485

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr.
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 Sergeant
William R. Anderson, Jr. 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, Born November 6, 1946, to William Roy Anderson and Florence
(Braisley) Anderson in Danbury, Connecticut, William Roy Anderson, Jr.
attended Danbury schools and received his GED while in the service; and

WHEREAS, William Roy Anderson, Jr., affectionately known as Bill,
enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on April 28, 1966, in
Danbury; after basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, he
received additional training in both Aviation Electronics (1967) and
High School GED (1969) in Pensacola, Florida, as well as Auto Flight
Control Systems, in Cherry Point, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr. was assigned to
Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 16, Marine Air Group 16, 1st
Marine Air Wing Fleet Marine Force- (H&MS, MAG-16, MAW, FMF); he
valiantly served two tours of duty in the Republic of Vietnam during the
Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, On his last tour, Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr. was
wounded and sent to the Special Unit No. 1, Casualty Company,
Headquarters & Service Battalion at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton; he
was honorably discharged on May 4, 1970; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Sergeant
William R. Anderson, Jr. was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal with 5
Stars, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal,
Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device,
Good Conduct Medal and Marksman Badge; and

WHEREAS, William R. Anderson, Jr. returned home and served as a
pilot and airplane mechanic, working for Cawly Aviation in La
Grandville, New York; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, William R. Anderson, Jr. was a
member of the Disabled Veterans, the New York State Rifle & Pistol
Association and the Kalicoontie Rod & Gun Club; he also participated in
Project Appleseed as a marksman and instructor, and taught about the
Revolutionary War; and

WHEREAS, William R. Anderson, Jr. loved fast cars, airplanes and
guitars, and is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and
great-grandfather; and

WHEREAS, William R. Anderson, Jr. died on January 20, 2024, at the
age of 77, and was buried in the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery
in Saratoga; he left behind his wife, Barbara, three children: Laurie,
William, Melissa, two stepchildren: Adam and Amber Nolen, six
grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; 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 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,
Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr. 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 Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr. 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 Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr.