Senate Resolution No. 3076

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

HONORING Charles W. Pehl 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 peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Charles W.
Pehl 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 Saratoga County
Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, in
Ballston Spa, New York; 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 May 31, 1926, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Charles
W. Pehl graduated from Saratoga Springs High School before attending
Bryant College in Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, Charles W. Pehl enlisted in the United States Marine Corps
the day after his 17th birthday, June 1, 1943; he successfully completed
boot camp and was trained as a Field Telephone Operator at Signal School
in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, A few short months later, Charles W. Pehl valiantly served
in the Pacific Theater of Operations, participating in action against
the enemy on Saipan from June 15, 1944 to July 8, 1944, in Tinian from
July 25-31, 1944, and in Okinawa from April 1-14, 1945; and

WHEREAS, In addition, this brave soldier assisted with cleanup
efforts in Nagasaki at the end of the War; he was discharged at the
esteemed rank of Corporal on January 15, 1946; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Second World War,
Charles W. Pehl was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 2
Campaign Stars; and

WHEREAS, Upon returning home, Charles W. Pehl was the longtime owner
and operator of Sun Brite Laundry on Church Street; he also worked at
General Electric and the Department of Public Works for the City of
Saratoga Springs, retiring in 2009 after 16 years of dedicated service;
and


WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Charles W. Pehl was an
active member of the Saratoga Springs Elks Club; 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,
Charles W. Pehl 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 Charles W. Pehl 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 Charles W. Pehl.