Honor Navy Hero Frank Hunter

Assembly Resolution No. 808 BY: M. of A. Thiele PAYING special recognition to Chief Petty Officer Frank Louis Hunter posthumously for 33 years of distinguished service and heroic actions while proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Navy 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay special recognition to Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Frank Louis Hunter posthumously for 33 years of distinguished service and heroic actions while proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Navy; and WHEREAS, Frank Louis Hunter enlisted in the United States Navy in

1902, serving until 1933 after 30 years of service; he was later recalled to duty during World War II in 1942, at the age of 61; his final retirement and honorable discharge was three years later in 1945; and WHEREAS, During his illustrious service, CPO Frank Louis Hunter was aboard 18 battleships and destroyers, including a minesweeping ship on which he helped clear munitions from the English Channel at the end of World War II; and WHEREAS, On September 16, 1925, Michael J. Sullivan, Fireman First Class, United States Navy, was trying to maneuver along the deck when he fell overboard from the Destroyer USS Peary; due to lethal conditions, the Commander ordered the rescue crew to stand down; and WHEREAS, CPO Frank Louis Hunter, on board the nearby USS Pillsbury, did not stand down; he saw the fireman struggling, and without hesitation, jumped into the treacherous waters of the South China Sea, without a tether rope, to try to save him, prompting two other sailors to tether themselves and go into the water to assist in the rescue; and WHEREAS, Fireman Michael J. Sullivan was pulled on board, but as CPO Frank Louis Hunter clutched the legs of a crewmate and they were being hauled back, he was struck by two giant waves, dislodged from the lines and swept away from his ship; and WHEREAS, At this time, sailors fired a rope gun and CPO Frank Louis Hunter was able to grab the rope, and was hauled back on board; despite the rescue, Fireman Sullivan died of head wounds he sustained when he went overboard; and WHEREAS, At great peril to his own life, CPO Frank Louis Hunter's heroic and selfless effort to save a fellow sailor should be commended; he truly exhibited a genuine concern for others when he put the needs and well-being of Fireman Michael J. Sullivan before his own in this dangerous and deadly situation; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, CPO Frank Louis Hunter demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore, the highest respect of this 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 pay special recognition to Chief Petty Officer Frank Louis Hunter posthumously for 33 years of distinguished service and heroic actions while proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Navy; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Franklin Wilks, great-grandson of Navy Chief Petty Officer Frank Louis Hunter.