LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring World War II Veteran Vincent Muraski
posthumously upon the occasion of being recognized at the AFL-CIO Labor
Veterans Breakfast on May 30, 2011

WHEREAS, Members of the United States Armed Forces, who served so faith-
fully and courageously in wars in which our Nation's freedom was at
stake, as well as in the preservation of peace during peacetime, deserve
the highest commendation of this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
World War II Veteran Vincent Muraski posthumously upon the occasion of
being recognized at the AFL-CIO Labor Veterans Breakfast at Michael's
Banquet House in Cohoes, New York, on May 30, 2011; and
WHEREAS, In March 1943, Albany native Vincent Muraski enlisted in the
United States Armed Services during World War II and became a staff
sergeant in the famed 79th division, 315th infantry; the noble veteran
was awarded the highest Army honors for his bravery and heroism; and
WHEREAS, In November 1944, Vincent Muraski used anti-tank grenades to
single-handedly stop a group of German counter-attacks at Epinal Hill in
Southern France; originally designed to stop tanks, he fired his weapon
from a grenade launcher attached to an M-I; his brave action disbanded
dozens of Germans and merited him the Silver Star; and
WHEREAS, Vincent Muraski oversaw a machine gun and heavy weapons
squad, holding on doggedly for seven days, at which time his entire
division, the 79th or Cross of Lorraine, pushed forward; and
WHEREAS, Awarded a Bronze Star for his heroism in the Normandy, North-
ern France, and Rhineland Campaigns, Vincent Muraski saved a life during
that Normandy invasion, when he carried a friend who was unable to swim
and pulled him to safety under heavy fire; and
WHEREAS, Vincent Muraski was also awarded the esteemed Purple Heart
when he suffered flesh wounds from enemy bullets in the Rhineland
Campaign at Hatton; and
WHEREAS, Upon returning to Albany, New York, after his service in the
war he worked as a milk man at Normanskill Farm Dairy, and later was
employed by the United States Postal Service in Latham, New York; and
WHEREAS, On this Memorial Day 2011, a request to secure war medals in
memory of Albany soldier Vincent Muraski will be fulfilled as part of
his dying wish to obtain medals he earned but never received during
World War II, to pass on to his grandchildren in his memory; and
WHEREAS, The family of Vincent Muraski is being presented with the
following medals, which includes the highest military honors, the Silver
Star & Oak Leaf Cluster Bronze Large, the Bronze Star Medal & Oak Leaf
Cluster Bronze Large, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Army Medal, President
Unit Citation, American Campaign Medal and the European-African-Middle
Eastern Campaign Medal & Bronze Star Attachment; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Muraski family is being presented with the
World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, French
Fourragere, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, Expert Badge & Carbine
Bar, and the Marksman Badge & Machine Gun Bar & Rifle Bar; and
WHEREAS, Vincent Muraski was a courageous combat veteran, a father, a
grandfather, and a lifelong New Yorker; his family was awarded very
special medals in tribute to his extraordinary service to our country
and his commitment to the family that will carry on his legacies for

generations to come; his heroism and his incredible service to our
nation should be commended; and
WHEREAS, Vincent Muraski was an avid, talented golf player, and even
when he went blind at age 71, he continued to play golf with the Capital
District Blind Golfers League; and
WHEREAS, Vincent Muraski passed away in March of 2009, at the age of
88; he is survived by his daughter, his daughter-in-law, his sister, and
his six grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is very pleased to have this opportu-
nity to express its gratitude to the men and women of the United States
Armed Forces for their tremendous sacrifices made for our Nation and for
the benefit of all Americans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor World War II Veteran Vincent Muraski posthumously upon the occa-
sion of being recognized at the AFL-CIO Labor Veterans Breakfast on May
30, 2011 and; be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Vincent Muraski.