Senate Resolution No. 3456

BY: Senator LAVALLE

PAYING special recognition to Chief Petty Officer
Frank Louis Hunter posthumously for 33 years of
distinguished service and heroic actions while
proudly serving his country as a member of the
United States Navy

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay
special recognition to Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Frank Louis Hunter
posthumously for 33 years of distinguished service and heroic actions
while proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Navy;
and

WHEREAS, Frank Louis Hunter enlisted in the United States Navy in
1902, serving until 1933 after 30 years of service; he was later
recalled to duty during World War II in 1942, at the age of 61; his
final retirement and honorable discharge was three years later in 1945;
and

WHEREAS, During his illustrious service, CPO Frank Louis Hunter was
aboard 18 battleships and destroyers, including a minesweeping ship on
which he helped clear munitions from the English Channel at the end of
World War II; and

WHEREAS, On September 16, 1925, Michael J. Sullivan, Fireman First
Class, United States Navy, was trying to maneuver along the deck when he
fell overboard from the Destroyer USS Peary; due to lethal conditions,
the Commander ordered the rescue crew to stand down; and

WHEREAS, CPO Frank Louis Hunter, on board the nearby USS Pillsbury,
did not stand down; he saw the fireman struggling, and without
hesitation, jumped into the treacherous waters of the South China Sea,
without a tether rope, to try to save him, prompting two other sailors
to tether themselves and go into the water to assist in the rescue; and

WHEREAS, Fireman Michael J. Sullivan was pulled on board, but as CPO
Frank Louis Hunter clutched the legs of a crewmate and they were being
hauled back, he was struck by two giant waves, dislodged from the lines
and swept away from his ship; and

WHEREAS, At this time, sailors fired a rope gun and CPO Frank Louis
Hunter was able to grab the rope, and was hauled back on board; despite
the rescue, Fireman Sullivan died of head wounds he sustained when he
went overboard; and

WHEREAS, At great peril to his own life, CPO Frank Louis Hunter's
heroic and selfless effort to save a fellow sailor should be commended;
he truly exhibited a genuine concern for others when he put the needs

and well-being of Fireman Michael J. Sullivan before his own in this
dangerous and deadly situation; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
CPO Frank Louis Hunter demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore, the highest respect of this 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
pay special recognition to Chief Petty Officer Frank Louis Hunter
posthumously for 33 years of distinguished service and heroic actions
while proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Navy;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Franklin Wilks, great-grandson of Navy Chief Petty
Officer Frank Louis Hunter.