Honor Fallen Veteran Johnson

Senate Resolution No. 4167 BY: Senator TEDISCO HONORING Samuel W. Johnson 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 peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Samuel W. Johnson 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 Albany County Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, March 20, 2018; 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 10, 1945, in Glens Falls, New York, Samuel W. "Sam" Johnson graduated from Hadley-Luzerne School in 1964; and WHEREAS, Samuel W. Johnson entered into the United States Air Force on September 22, 1964; he completed training courses in Survival Training, Special Air Warfare, Weapons Maintenance Supervision and Weapons Mechanic Training before being sent to Vietnam in 1967; and WHEREAS, This brave soldier was stationed at Bien Hoa for his entire tour, and was assigned to the 3rd Air Commando Squadron, the 4th Air Commando Squadron, and later, the 14th Special Operations Wing; and WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious military career, Samuel W. Johnson served as a gunner on the Air Force AC-47 Spooky gunship, "Puff the Magic Dragon"; he flew more than 300 night missions, including missions during the TET offensive, before being discharged on September

17, 1968, at the rank of Staff Sergeant; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Samuel W. Johnson was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Samuel W. Johnson worked as a Lineman and Line Foreman for Niagara Mohawk for 31 years, retiring in December of 2000; in addition, he served as a Town of Day Councilman for 16 years, and as a member of the Board of Assessment of Review and Cemetery Committee; and WHEREAS, Samuel W. Johnson was a true asset to his community and an active supporter of Veteran-related causes and organizations, serving as an active member of the VFW Post No. 5836 and Masonic Unity Lodge No.

22; and WHEREAS, An avid hunter, Samuel W. Johnson was a 53-year member of the Hadley Hunting Club, which his father helped build and his grandfather donated the land in 1935; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Samuel W. Johnson 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 Samuel W. Johnson 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 Samuel W. Johnson.