LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of William Brustman, retired
Lieutenant Colonel, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the great
State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good works
of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate their
lives and careers to the service of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to publicly mourn the death of
those prominent citizens whose lifework and purposeful endeavors have
served to enrich and enhance the quality and character of life for
others in their community and the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Retired Lieutenant Colonel William Brustman of Obernburg, New
York, died on Thursday, January 1, 2015, at the age of 95; and
WHEREAS, William Brustman was born on February 17, 1919, to the late
Jacob and Mary Sator Brustman; he was raised in Obernburg and attended
local schools; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel William Brustman proudly served his coun-
try as a member of the United States Army after enlisting in 1941; he
rose swiftly through the ranks to become Staff Sergeant, and was commis-
sioned as a 2nd Lieutenant following his completion of Officer Candidate
School; and
WHEREAS, A courageous soldier and leader, Lieutenant Colonel William
Brustman fought bravely as a Mortar Platoon Leader during World War II,
a Rifle Company Commander in Korea, and as a Military Advisor in Viet-
nam; after many years of honorable military service, he retired in 1964;
and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel William Brustman was the recipient of
numerous accolades for his many acts of gallantry on the battlefield; he
was presented with the Bronze Star on three separate occasions, and also
held the distinction of being one of a select group of individuals to
have been awarded the Combat Infantry Badge Third Award; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Lieutenant Colonel William Brustman was a 2007
Inductee into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, and his name is
inscribed on a large plaque at the United States Army Infantry Museum in
Fort Benning, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel William Brustman's commitment to excel-
lence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of
enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, A proud supporter of veterans organizations and causes, Lieu-
tenant Colonel William Brustman was a member of the Allan Milk VFW Post
No. 7276, American Legion Post 276, and the Marine Corps Heritage Foun-
dation; he was also a charter member of the World War II Memorial in
Washington, D.C., the Military Officers Army Association, and 361st
Infantry Association; and
WHEREAS, An integral part of his community, William Brustman served as
a member of the North Branch Fire Department, and was a parishioner at
St. Mary's Church; furthermore, he was an honorary member of the New
York State Sheriffs Association, and Girls and Boys Town of Nebraska;
and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his three brothers, Joseph, George, and Fred,
and his three sisters, Barbara, Marie, and Catherine, William Brustman
is survived by one brother, Clarence; a sister, Ida; and two sisters-in-
law, Yvonne and Helen; as well as several nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, William Brustman leaves behind a legacy which will long

endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of William Brustman, retired Lieutenant Colonel, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of William Brustman.