Senate Resolution No. 1346

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Lance Corporal John Michael Tanney
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 Lance
Corporal John Michael Tanney 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

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, Born on February 19, 1949, to Donald and Barbara (Dowling)
Tanney in Oneida County, New York, John Michael Tanney attended Rome
Catholic School where he was a member of the track team and the Campion
Players; and

WHEREAS, After graduating, John Michael Tanney enlisted in the
United States Marine Corps on July 4, 1967, and proudly served his
country as a Lance Corporal with a specialty as a rifleman during the
Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, In April of 1968, Lance Corporal John Michael Tanney was
wounded by mortar fire at the siege of Khe Sanh; upon recovery, he
courageously returned to duty on the front line; and

WHEREAS, Unfortunately, this brave soldier made the ultimate
sacrifice when he was killed in action on September 23, 1968, at the
young age of 19; shortly thereafter, he was laid to rest in St. Peter's
Cemetery in Rome, New York, with full military honors; and

WHEREAS, For his meritorious service during the war, Lance Corporal
John Michael Tanney, was awarded a Purple Heart, as well as many other
awards and accolades, such as: Combat Action Ribbon, Marksmanship Badge,
National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service
Medal, Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross,
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal;
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 abroad, Lance Corporal John
Michael Tanney 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 Lance Corporal John Michael Tanney 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 Lance Corporal John Michael Tanney.