LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Sergeant Bill Blessing upon the occa-
sion of receiving the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service
during Operation Enduring Freedom

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced Operation Enduring Freedom will
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and as a defender of liberty for people throughout the world;
and
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York who
have served so valiantly and honorably during Operation Enduring Free-
dom, in particular those who have earned one of our Nation's highest
honors, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, The Bronze Star Medal is the fourth-highest military deco-
ration awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves by performing
acts of heroism or meritorious achievement in connection with military
operations against an armed enemy; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Sergeant
Bill Blessing upon the occasion of receiving the Bronze Star Medal for
his meritorious service during Operation Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Bill Blessing, of Skaneateles, New York, is a squad
leader in the 2nd Battalion of the 327th Infantry Division of the 101st
Airborne and commands a team of three infantrymen; and
WHEREAS, In April of 2010, Sergeant Bill Blessing deployed from Fort
Campbell, Kentucky, to Command Outpost Monti in the Kunar Province, a
rugged location in the northeast mountains of Afghanistan within five to
seven miles of the Pakistan border; and
WHEREAS, In August of 2010, on an enemy-seeking mission, Sergeant Bill
Blessing and the infantrymen had orders to maneuver to the front line, a
7-foot long .50-caliber machine gun that takes all four men to operate;
once there, Sergeant Blessing situated the gun and his men below a moun-
tain ridge and readied for combat; and
WHEREAS, For the next three to four hours, Sergeant Blessing, his team
and a good portion of his 120 to 130 soldier company fought off approxi-
mately 100 Taliban fighters; and
WHEREAS, During the assault, the team of four became three when one
soldier took a bullet in the arm; as the team's trained medic, Sergeant
Bill Blessing dragged the wounded soldier over the ridge to safety; the
remaining two soldiers were shot and one man fell to the ground, uncon-
scious; while under fire, Sergeant Blessing once again escorted his
injured comrade to safety; and
WHEREAS, When Sergeant Bill Blessing returned to his diminished team,
his comrade had regained consciousness and together they took control of
the large weapon and resumed fighting and continued to operate the gun
until they were ordered to displace; and
WHEREAS, After scrambling to a position of relative safety, the war-
worn team of two withdrew the heavy-duty artillery to their base; the
fire fight was considered a victory as nearly three-quarters of the
enemy resisters perished; and
WHEREAS, With Sergeant Bill Blessing throughout have been his parents,
Sue and Bill Blessing, Sr., his sister Terry, and brother Chris, all of
whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his many
achievements; and
WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who
risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-

ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Sergeant Bill Blessing upon the occasion of receiving the Bronze
Star Medal for his meritorious service during Operation Enduring Freedom
and to wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sergeant Bill Blessing.