LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring William J. Baker 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, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor William J.
Baker 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, to be celebrated at Rensselaer County Honor-A-De-
ceased-Veteran Ceremony on Friday, March 4, 2016; 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 on September 2, 1923, William J. Baker enlisted in the
United States Army on January 14, 1943, in Upton, New York; he proudly
served his country in both the Ardennes, and Rhineland during the Euro-
pean Theater in World War II; and
WHEREAS, Honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant, William
J. Baker earned several medals and accolades for his exceptional mili-
tary service including the American Service Medal, European African-Mid-
dle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Bronze Star
Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon his separation from service, William J. Baker returned
to the United States and began working at Bendix in Green Island, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, William J. Baker was a member of the
Grafton Volunteer Fire Department, and VFW Post 6340 in Grafton, New
York; in addition, he served as a committeeman for the Boy Scouts of
America Troop 534; and
WHEREAS, William J. Baker died on November 21, 1964, at the age of 41;
and
WHEREAS, William J. Baker is survived by his wife of 28 years, Beulah;
eight daughters, Eileen, Peggy, Antionette, Patricia, Beulah, Mary,
Joan, and Ruth; and three sons, William, Jr., Wayne and Edward; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
William J. Baker demonstrated his love for his country and merits forev-
ermore 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
honor William J. Baker 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 tran-
smitted to the family of William J. Baker.