(Middletown, NY)- “I was saddened to learn of the passing of Port Jervis resident, and WWII hero Walter Hughes this morning. As a member of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Walter took part in some of the best-known battles and missions of the World War II. In 1944, he first saw combat in Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands. While in Holland, Walter received shrapnel wounds to his shoulder and back when a bullet hit his shoulder strap.

Walter was honorably discharged from the Army after receiving two Purple Hearts, the Bronze star, France’s Legion of Honor and a Belgian postage stamp with his image as he charged the enemy in the Battle of the Bulge.

I also had the honor of inducting Walter into the New York Senate Veterans Hall of Fame this past year, where he was honored alongside veterans from across NY State. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend the ceremony in Albany due to his poor health. After the ceremony, I personally visited Walter at his home to present him with a ceremonial plaque and a video of the ceremony, and thank him for his service to our country.

Walter Hughes was a real life American hero. As a member of ‘The Greatest Generation’, Walter personified commitment and dedication to his country. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”