Honor PFC George H. Traver

Senate Resolution No. 3077 BY: Senator MARCHIONE HONORING Private First Class George H. Traver 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 Private First Class (PFC) George H. Traver 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, August 28,

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, Born on May 7, 1918, to Charles Van and Nellie Virginia Traver, George H. Traver attended Chatham High School; after graduation, he served as a fireman on the Harlem Line, a Division of the New York Central Railroad System; and WHEREAS, On January 22, 1942, George H. Traver enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he completed his training as a rifleman; he was then assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division; and WHEREAS, PFC George H. Traver proudly served his country in the South Pacific during World War II; on November 13, 1942, the team landed on the Japanese-held island of Guadalcanal in the Soloman Islands in support of the 1st Marine Division; and WHEREAS, After being wounded during these combat operations, PFC George H. Traver was sent to New Zealand for medical treatment; after healing and resupplying, he and his team made a second landing on the small island of the Betio in the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands; and WHEREAS, On November 20, 1942, the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines made an amphibious landing on Red Beach 3; under intense fire, the Marines waded ashore incurring heavy losses; that afternoon, PFC George H. Traver gave the ultimate sacrifice at the age of 25; and WHEREAS, PFC George H. Traver, along with thousands of his fellow marines were buried on the Island of Betio; his remains, which were located in "The Lost Cemetery", were exhumed along with 35 fellow Marines in June of 2015; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service, PFC George H. Traver was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart with Gold Cluster, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Sharp Shooters Medal and a Presidential Unit Citation; 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, PFC George H. Traver 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 Private First Class George H. Traver 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 Private First Class George H. Traver.