Senate Resolution No. 4748

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMENDING Robert W. Shaw 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 commend Robert W.
Shaw 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, April 23, 2018; 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, Robert William Shaw was born August 12, 1920, to Robert and
Frances (Doyle) Shaw in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he was a student
in the Pawling Public School District; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, Robert W. Shaw worked as a firefighter in
Bedford Hills, New York, before entering into the service of the United
States Army on September 2, 1942; and

WHEREAS, After training at Fort Knox and then Fort Campbell in
Kentucky, Robert W. Shaw became a gunner of a medium tank; he qualified
with the Colt 1911 45 caliber pistol and the 30 caliber machinegun; and

WHEREAS, Assigned to Company A, 10th Tank Battalion, Technical
Sergeant Grade 5 Robert W. Shaw saw action in the Eastern Theater of
Operation in Italy (Sicily), Northern France (Normandy), and Central
Europe (Ardennes, Rhineland); and

WHEREAS, On August 26, 1944, while serving with General George S.
Patton's 3rd Army, Sergeant Robert W. Shaw was seriously wounded after
his tank was hit by enemy fire and burst into flames; after receiving
medical treatment in both France and England, he was honorably
discharged on October 13, 1945, at Fort Dix in New York; and

WHEREAS, Upon completion of his military service, Robert W. Shaw
returned to his hometown and worked as a mechanic; dedicated to his
fellow veterans, he was a vital member of the Valatie American Legion;
and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Sergeant
Robert W. Shaw was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, and
European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with Bronze Arrow; and

WHEREAS, Robert W. Shaw died on August 6, 1968, at the age of 48; he
is survived by his daughter, Bonnie; 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,
Robert W. Shaw 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
commend Robert W. Shaw 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 Robert W. Shaw.