Senate Resolution No. 2147

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING James Michael Claypool 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, 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 commend James
Michael Claypool 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 our Deceased Veterans Ceremony on Tuesday, June 18, 2019;
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, James, or Mike as he liked to be called, was born on April
11, 1947, in Schenectady New York, to Allen and Jean Claypool; and

WHEREAS, He graduated with high honors from Galway High School in
1965, and went on to study Engineering at Clarkson University; he
apprenticed at General Electric before answering the draft call; and

WHEREAS, James Michael Claypool entered into the United States Army
on December 2, 1969; he served in Washington DC and Edgewood Arsenal as
a Data Analyst Specialist; and

WHEREAS, For his service, James Michael Claypool received the
National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Expert
Marksmanship Badge w/Rifle Bar; he separated at the rank of
Specialist-5th Class on September 9, 1971; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, James Michael
Claypool worked in construction before entering the Local 197 of Albany
as a Boilermaker, where he retired in 2011 after 35 years of service;
and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, James Michael Claypool was a
dedicated member of American Legion Post 1461 of Galway, New York, and
was the Post Commander at the time of his death; for more than 35 years,
he organized and led the Galway Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony; and

WHEREAS, James Michael Claypool also established Pools' garage in
the 1960 and spent long hours fixing cars for himself and friends; he
married his wife Amy in January of 2018; and

WHEREAS, James Michael Claypool died on August 26, 2018, at his home
at the age of 71; 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,
James Michael Claypool 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 James Michael Claypool 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 James Michael Claypool.