Honor Walter Doty, Jr.

Senate Resolution No. 1693 BY: Senator MARCHIONE HONORING Walter Doty, Jr. 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 Walter Doty, Jr. 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 Columbia County Honor A Deceased Veteran Ceremony on April 24, 2017; 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, Walter Doty, Jr., son of Walter and Sophia Piesta Doty, was born on March 13, 1930, in Hudson, New York; after attending Hudson Central School, he enlisted in the United States Army on September 8,

1948, in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Upon completion of basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and Construction Engineer School at Camp Stoneman, California, Corporal Walter Doty, Jr. was assigned to a duty station in Mazsu, Japan, as part of the Allied Occupational Force, where he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army; and WHEREAS, In November of 1950, Corporal Walter Doty, Jr. was assigned to the Marines at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea where he helped transport the deceased soldiers south to Hungnam Harbor; in addition, when the military and civilian personnel were being evacuated, he assisted in destroying the vast quantities of supplies and ammunition that remained; and WHEREAS, After working overseas, Corporal Walter Doty, Jr. was assigned to the 118th Transportation Company at Fort Eustis, Virginia, where he was honorably discharged on October 14, 1952; and WHEREAS, Returning home, Walter married Caroline White and together they raised seven children; he worked at Deno's Auto Body Shop during the day, and Chris' Auto Body Shop at night; later, he was employed at DeBrino Caulking, where he worked for eight years until his retirement; on October 7, 1989, he married Betty Roberts; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Walter was the Past Commander of the VFW 1314 and the Korean War Veterans; additionally, he served on the committee for the Korean War Monument; and WHEREAS, Walter Doty, Jr. died on April 27, 2016, at the age of 86; he is survived by his second wife, Betty; five daughters, Rosemary, Betty Ann, Carolann, Michelle and Kimberly; two sons, Walter (III) and Robert; 20 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Korean War, Walter Doty, Jr. was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp, Korean Medal with Silver Star, the United Nations Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service 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 both at home and abroad, Walter Doty, Jr. 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 honor Walter Doty, Jr. 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 Walter Doty, Jr.