Honor Gregory with Liberty Medal

Senate Resolution No. 5933 BY: Senator MARCHIONE COMMENDING Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. 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 commend Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. 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 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, Gilbert John Gregory Jr. was born to Gilbert J. and Mabel (Norton) Gregory on December 18, 1935, in Providence, Rhode Island where he attended school until the 11th grade; and WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, Gilbert J. Gregory Jr. entered the United States Navy on June 22, 1954; upon the successful completion of basic training, he received additional training as an Aviation Boatswain Mate and briefly served in the Naval Reserves; and WHEREAS, On September 10, 1958, BM2nd Class Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. reenlisted at the United States Naval Recruiting Station in New York City, and was subsequently assigned to duty on the USS Saratoga (CVA-60); and WHEREAS, Having qualified as an aircraft flight orderly on the C-118B, Aviation BM2nd Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. once again reenlisted on

August 14, 1964, at Pawtuxet River, Maryland; on December 27, 1964, he was assigned to duty on the USS Lexington (CVS -16); and WHEREAS, While onboard the Lady Lex, Aviation BM2nd Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. was severely injured during touch and go landings and takeoffs with naval aircraft; after extensive hospitalization at several naval hospitals, he was placed on the temporary disability retirement list on June 17, 1968; and WHEREAS, After 13 years, 11 months, and seven days, Aviation BM2nd Class Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. was officially retired on March 1, 1971, at the United States Naval Station in Brooklyn with a disability pension; and WHEREAS, For his meritorious service, Aviation BM2nd Class Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. was awarded the National Defense Ribbon; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. returned home and lived in Nassau Lake, New York, where he and his first wife raised five children; on October 29, 1988, he married his second wife Carolyn in East Greenbush, New York; and WHEREAS, During his well-deserved retirement, Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. enjoyed assembling wooden ship models and was an active member of the Stephentown Veterans; and WHEREAS, Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. died on March 27, 2017, at the age of 81; he is survived by his second wife, Carolyn; seven children, Darleen, Donna, Debra, Kevin, Dawn, Edward and Michael; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; 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, Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. 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 commend Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. 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 Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr.