Honor Medal for Vietnam Hero

Senate Resolution No. 1118 BY: Senator JORDAN COMMENDING Private First Class Ronald K. Jablanski 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, 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 commend Private First Class Ronald K. Jablanski 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 celebrated at a ceremony on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Elks Lodge No. 787, Hudson, New York; he was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal with V Device for Valor; 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, Private First Class Ronald K. Jablanski is being commended for his heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Rifleman with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division; and WHEREAS, On the night of September 13, 1969, during Operation Idaho Canyon, Company L was moving to establish a night defensive perimeter on a hill in the Mutter's Ridge area of Quang Tri Province when the lead platoon came under intense fire from a well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force, pinning down the point men; and WHEREAS, Rapidly assessing the situation, Private First Class Ronald K. Jablanski unhesitatingly moved to the forward position, quickly established firing positions for two machine gun teams, and effectively directed their fire; and WHEREAS, Then, with complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly led an aggressive assault through the entrenched enemy force and boldly continued until he reached the top of the hill and secured his position; and WHEREAS, Private First Class Ronald K. Jablanski's superb leadership and valiant actions inspired an aggressive fighting spirit within his men and they decisively defeated the enemy; and WHEREAS, This brave Marine's courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Private First Class Ronald K. Jablanski 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 Private First Class Ronald K. Jablanski 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 Private First Class Ronald K. Jablanski.