Senate Resolution No. 1650

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING Henry Cornell 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
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

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 peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Henry
Cornell 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, Henry Cornell was born in May of 1897, to Frank and Lillian
(Crandall) Cornell in the Town of Milton; he proudly served his country
as a member of the Company B 23rd Infantry in the United States Army
during World War I; and

WHEREAS, The Regiment set sail in September of 1917, arriving at St.
Nazaire, France; the men moved to the vicinity of St. Thiebault where
they immediately began intensive training; and

WHEREAS, The 23rd Infantry occupied a sub-sector near Rangieres on
March 17, 1918, and remained in that defensive area until May when the
German threat to Paris became imminent in the Chateau Thierry area; and

WHEREAS, The Regiment, along with other Divisional units, was rushed
up to the strategic Paris-Metz Road, where the advancing enemy was
engaged; this open warfare was entirely new, as action in the previous
months had been largely trench warfare; the Regiment immediately
counter-attacked and stopped the German drive in its sector; and

WHEREAS, Although a number of soldiers lost their lives, the
tactical action steadied the Allied line from Switzerland to the sea,
and proved the fortitude of American troops, which had never been used
to check an enemy drive of that scale; and

WHEREAS, On June 23, 1918, Henry Cornell was gassed at Chateau
Thierry in France; unfortunately, he succumbed to this horrific injury
on July 1, 1918; and

WHEREAS, In 1919, the American Legion Post 234 in Ballston Spa
received its charter and subsequently, named it in honor of Henry
Cornell; and

WHEREAS, On June 23, 1921, Henry Cornell was buried with full
military honors in the Factory Village Cemetery in Ballston Spa, New
York; 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 gave 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,
Henry Cornell 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
honor Henry Cornell 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 Henry Cornell.