Senate Resolution No. 5929

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMENDING Frank Garguiolo 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, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Frank
Garguiolo upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a Liberty
Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; 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, Frank Garguiolo was born on July 11, 1913, the youngest of
seven children born to Italian immigrants Luigi Garguiolo and Anna
Pagano; he spent the first 11 years of his life in Cheektowaga, New
York, before he and his family moved to a house their father built in
the City of Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, Upon the passing of his father, Frank Garguiolo was left at
the age of 13 to help his mother provide financially for the family;
despite this hardship, he was invested in his education while attending
Buffalo Public School No. 43 and Boys High School in Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, Frank Garguiolo worked as a laborer for the Standard Mirror
Company through high school, and then enlisted in the United States Army
on April 8, 1943, at the age of 19 to fight for America during World War
II; and

WHEREAS, Frank Garguiolo served in one of the most decorated units
in World War II, the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division of
the U.S. Army; he trained as an anti-aircraft specialist, participated
in many fierce battles with heavy casualties, and was hospitalized for
an illness while in Africa; and

WHEREAS, After fighting back to health, he continued to demonstrate
leadership in service; he rose to the rank of Corporal, participated in
landings in Italy, and was involved in the occupation of Rome-Arno; and

WHEREAS, His final assignment was on October 30, 1944, in St. Die,
France; in that battle, his entire unit was killed and he was taken

prisoner of war by German soldiers; held captive for six months at
Moosburg prison, he was forced to endure hard labor excavating bombed
out buildings in Munich; and

WHEREAS, Through the bravery of an ally in England, Frank
Garguiolo's family learned in a letter that he was still alive and they
should not give up hope; he still has that letter to this day; and

WHEREAS, In early May of 1945, Corporal Frank Garguiolo and the
other prisoners of war were liberated by his own division, the 3rd
Infantry Division; and

WHEREAS, Frank Garguiolo still bears the physical and emotional
scars that demonstrate his bravery in the face of unspeakable horrors,
including PTSD and permanent knee injuries; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Frank Garguiolo was honorably discharged from the
United States military on October 14, 1945, and received the Purple
Heart medal with Oak Leaf Cluster on January 6, 1945, in recognition of
the injuries he sustained by the enemy; and

WHEREAS, Later, Frank Garguiolo found employment at General Motors,
Gordon Roberts, Bethlehem Steel, and eventually the Buffalo Sewer
Authority where he worked for 26 years and served as Sergeant at Arms
for the employees union; and

WHEREAS, An accordion player, Frank Garguiolo met his future wife,
Lillian Shiavone, at a restaurant in Lovejoy where he was performing;
the two married on April 23, 1949, and had one daughter, Debbie; and

WHEREAS, In addition to receiving the Purple Heart medal with Oak
Leaf Cluster for outstanding service and sacrifices while serving in
World War II, Corporal Garguiolo was the recipient of the Bronze Star
Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit
Citation, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three
bronze service stars, one silver service star and bronze arrowhead,
Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button; and

WHEREAS, Most notably, he was personally presented the French Legion
of Honor Award by French Honorary Consul Pascal Soares from the French
Consulate on June 23, 2017, for his participation in the liberation of
France; and

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Frank Garguiolo
is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of such high standards,
certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Frank Garguiolo 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 Frank Garguiolo.