Senate Resolution No. 5749

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Donald J. Cramer 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 Donald J.
Cramer 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, June 19, 2018, at the County
Building 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, Donald J. Cramer was born to Master Sergeant Frank and
Edith Cramer on April 30, 1924; he graduated from Waterford High School
in 1941, where he designed the official school crest which still appears
on the school rings; and

WHEREAS, After high school, Donald J. Cramer worked for Reese
Knitting Company; he was then drafted, and proudly served his country as
a member of the Army Air Corps, where he trained to be a radar
technician on the P-61 Black Widow; and

WHEREAS, Once again, Donald J. Cramer designed the insignia for his
unit, the 549th Night Fighter Squadron, which is still used today by the
549th Combat Training Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada; and

WHEREAS, On February 28, 1945, Donald J. Cramer's unit landed on the
island of Iwo Jima, only days after the United States Marine Corps had
stormed the beaches; the unit was assigned to clear up an airfield a few
hundred yards behind enemy lines; beginning late on the night of March
25th and into the early morning hours of March 26th, the field was hit
by mortar and small arms fire, and unfortunately, Donald was hit by
shrapnel from a grenade and was killed; and

WHEREAS, For his ultimate sacrifice and meritorious service, Donald
J. Cramer was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal and the
Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal; and

WHEREAS, Donald J. Cramer's beloved family relocated to Malta, New
York, where they have lived ever since; Donald's name is inscribed on
the monument at Soldier and Sailors Park in Waterford, New York; 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,
Donald J. Cramer 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 Donald J. Cramer 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 Donald J. Cramer.