Honor Judge Norman Mordue

Senate Resolution No. 211 BY: Senator DEFRANCISCO COMMENDING The Honorable Norman A. Mordue upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the William C. Ruger Centennial Award by the Onondaga County Bar Association WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those esteemed individuals within our midst whose professional lives, personal endeavors and dedicated community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues, friends, and family; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accordance with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Honorable Norman A. Mordue upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the William C. Ruger Centennial Award by the Onondaga County Bar Association, celebrated at its 141st Annual Dinner on October 27, 2016, in the Grand Ballroom at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown; and WHEREAS, The William C. Ruger Centennial Award was named after the first President of the Onondaga County Bar Association (OCBA), who later served as Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals; and WHEREAS, The prestigious William C. Ruger Centennial Award is given to a judicial officer in recognition of their outstanding achievement in devotion to the principles of our justice system; and WHEREAS, Born in Elmira, New York, Judge Norman A. Mordue graduated from Southside High School in 1958; after high school, he enrolled in the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at Syracuse University where he studied Economics and played football; upon his graduation in 1966, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army; and WHEREAS, After completing Basic Training, Judge Norman A. Mordue heroically led his platoon during the Vietnam War, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his selfless efforts to relieve another platoon that had come under heavy artillery fire; and WHEREAS, Judge Norman A. Mordue rescued two of his men who had been injured from enemy fire; though he was severely injured after the incident, he refused to accept medical help until his men were able to withdraw; and WHEREAS, For his leadership and courage in the face of adversity, Judge Norman A. Mordue was also awarded both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star; and WHEREAS, Following his distinguished military service as a Captain, Judge Norman A. Mordue returned to Syracuse University to earn his Juris Doctor in 1971; and WHEREAS, Judge Norman A. Mordue began his professional legal career serving as the District Attorney for Onondaga County from 1972 until

16 days, Judge Norman A. Mordue was appointed to United States District Court for the Northern District of New York in 1998, serving as the Chief Judge of the Court until 2013, when he became the Senior Judge on the bench; and WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all citizens of this great Empire state; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend The Honorable Norman A. Mordue upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the William C. Ruger Centennial Award by the Onondaga County Bar Association; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Norman A. Mordue.