Senate Resolution No. 1693

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

HONORING Walter Doty, Jr. 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 Walter Doty,
Jr. 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 presented at the Columbia County Honor A
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on April 24, 2017; 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, Walter Doty, Jr., son of Walter and Sophia Piesta Doty, was
born on March 13, 1930, in Hudson, New York; after attending Hudson
Central School, he enlisted in the United States Army on September 8,
1948, in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Upon completion of basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey
and Construction Engineer School at Camp Stoneman, California, Corporal
Walter Doty, Jr. was assigned to a duty station in Mazsu, Japan, as part
of the Allied Occupational Force, where he proudly served his country as
a member of the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, In November of 1950, Corporal Walter Doty, Jr. was assigned
to the Marines at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea where he helped
transport the deceased soldiers south to Hungnam Harbor; in addition,
when the military and civilian personnel were being evacuated, he
assisted in destroying the vast quantities of supplies and ammunition
that remained; and

WHEREAS, After working overseas, Corporal Walter Doty, Jr. was
assigned to the 118th Transportation Company at Fort Eustis, Virginia,
where he was honorably discharged on October 14, 1952; and

WHEREAS, Returning home, Walter married Caroline White and together
they raised seven children; he worked at Deno's Auto Body Shop during
the day, and Chris' Auto Body Shop at night; later, he was employed at
DeBrino Caulking, where he worked for eight years until his retirement;
on October 7, 1989, he married Betty Roberts; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Walter was the Past Commander
of the VFW 1314 and the Korean War Veterans; additionally, he served on
the committee for the Korean War Monument; and

WHEREAS, Walter Doty, Jr. died on April 27, 2016, at the age of 86;
he is survived by his second wife, Betty; five daughters, Rosemary,
Betty Ann, Carolann, Michelle and Kimberly; two sons, Walter (III) and
Robert; 20 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Korean War, Walter
Doty, Jr. was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp,
Korean Medal with Silver Star, the United Nations Service Medal, the
Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal; 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,
Walter Doty, Jr. 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 Walter Doty, Jr. 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 Walter Doty, Jr.