Senate Resolution No. 1997

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

HONORING Francis Oliver LaCasse 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 Francis
Oliver LaCasse 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 Monday, May 22, 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, Francis O. LaCasse was born on March 16, 1919, to Oliver
and Nora (Blaine) LaCasse in Shelburne, Vermont, where he attended Essex
Junction Public School; and

WHEREAS, On September 6, 1941, Francis O. LaCasse entered the United
States Army, where he proudly served his country during World War II; he
successfully completed his basic training at Fort Devens, and his driver
and gunner armor training in a medium tank at Fort Knox; and

WHEREAS, Francis O. LaCasse was assigned to the 751st Tank
Battalion, and shipped to Liverpool, England, in the European Theater;
and

WHEREAS, Technical Fifth Class (T/5) Francis O. LaCasse was then
sent to Algeria, North Africa, where he and a crew used a Sherman M-4
Tank to fight their way through Tunisia; and

WHEREAS, The 751st Battalion was then deployed to Salerno, Italy; in
September of 1943, T/5 Francis O. LaCasse displayed conspicuous bravery
in administering first aid to a wounded soldier while under heavy enemy
shell fire; he remained with the soldier until they were evacuated one
hour later; and

WHEREAS, After participating in the assault on Anzio and offensive
to Rome, T/5 Francis O. LaCasse returned to Fort Knox and helped train
armored units for the Pacific Theater of Operation until the end of the
War; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, T/5 Francis
O. LaCasse was awarded the Silver Star, European African Middle Eastern
Service Medal with two Bronze Arrowheads, the American Defense Service
medal and the Expert Tank Gunner Badge; and

WHEREAS, After his discharge, Francis O. LaCasse returned to his
home town; he married Anne Flannery on October 13, 1951, and together,
they raised two children, James and Stephen; and

WHEREAS, From 1955-1988, Francis O. LaCasse owned and operated a
dairy business; he then rented his fields and buildings to other farmers
until his death in 2016; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his fellow veterans, Francis O. LaCasse was a
vital member of the American Legion Post 1160 in Copake Falls, New York;
and

WHEREAS, Francis O. LaCasse died on September 11, 2016, at the age
of 97; 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,
Francis O. LaCasse 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 Francis Oliver LaCasse 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 Francis Oliver LaCasse.