Honor George B. Gunn

Senate Resolution No. 1964 BY: Senator TEDISCO HONORING George B. Gunn 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 George B. Gunn 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 Schenectady County Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on Saturday, May 13, 2017, which serendipitously happens to fall on what would have been his 68th birthday, at the VFW Post 357 in Schenectady, New York; 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, A student at Mont Pleasant High School, George B. Gunn, son of Angeline and David Gunn, joined the United States Army; after graduating basic training, he successfully completed his Airborne Course in July of 1967; and WHEREAS, George B. Gunn proudly served his country as a member of D Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade and United States Army Republic of Vietnam (USARV); and WHEREAS, On November 11, 1967, George B. Gunn was killed in action while serving in Vietnam; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, George B. Gunn was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Parachutist's Badge; and WHEREAS, Shortly before his mother passed away, she was presented with George B. Gunn's High School diploma through the New York State Assembly; upon her death, she was posthumously presented The Department of Defense Vietnam War Commemoration Certificate of Honor; 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, George B. Gunn 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 George B. Gunn 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 George B. Gunn.