Honor LaCasse With Liberty Medal

Senate Resolution No. 1997 BY: Senator MARCHIONE HONORING Francis Oliver LaCasse 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 Francis Oliver LaCasse 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 Monday, May 22, 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, Francis O. LaCasse was born on March 16, 1919, to Oliver and Nora (Blaine) LaCasse in Shelburne, Vermont, where he attended Essex Junction Public School; and WHEREAS, On September 6, 1941, Francis O. LaCasse entered the United States Army, where he proudly served his country during World War II; he successfully completed his basic training at Fort Devens, and his driver and gunner armor training in a medium tank at Fort Knox; and WHEREAS, Francis O. LaCasse was assigned to the 751st Tank Battalion, and shipped to Liverpool, England, in the European Theater; and WHEREAS, Technical Fifth Class (T/5) Francis O. LaCasse was then sent to Algeria, North Africa, where he and a crew used a Sherman M-4 Tank to fight their way through Tunisia; and WHEREAS, The 751st Battalion was then deployed to Salerno, Italy; in September of 1943, T/5 Francis O. LaCasse displayed conspicuous bravery in administering first aid to a wounded soldier while under heavy enemy shell fire; he remained with the soldier until they were evacuated one hour later; and WHEREAS, After participating in the assault on Anzio and offensive to Rome, T/5 Francis O. LaCasse returned to Fort Knox and helped train armored units for the Pacific Theater of Operation until the end of the War; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, T/5 Francis O. LaCasse was awarded the Silver Star, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with two Bronze Arrowheads, the American Defense Service medal and the Expert Tank Gunner Badge; and WHEREAS, After his discharge, Francis O. LaCasse returned to his home town; he married Anne Flannery on October 13, 1951, and together, they raised two children, James and Stephen; and WHEREAS, From 1955-1988, Francis O. LaCasse owned and operated a dairy business; he then rented his fields and buildings to other farmers until his death in 2016; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to his fellow veterans, Francis O. LaCasse was a vital member of the American Legion Post 1160 in Copake Falls, New York; and WHEREAS, Francis O. LaCasse died on September 11, 2016, at the age of 97; 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, Francis O. LaCasse 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 Francis Oliver LaCasse 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 Francis Oliver LaCasse.