Honor Medal for Tracy Millis

Senate Resolution No. 1408 BY: Senator JORDAN COMMENDING Tracy E. Millis 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, 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 Tracy E. Millis 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 celebrated at the Saratoga County Honor A Veteran Program on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the County Building in Ballston Spa, New York; 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 to Ruth and Tracy Millis, Sr. on February 5, 1924, Tracy E. Millis graduated from Saratoga Springs High School on June 25,

23, 1944, Tracy E. Millis proudly served his country as a P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot with the 359th Fighter Group, 369th Fighter Squadron, 67th Fighter Wing during World War II; and WHEREAS, Tracy E. Millis and his fellow pilots mainly escorted bombers to key targets behind enemy lines; they also provided close air support during the Battle of the Bulge, and as the assault crossed the Rhine River into Germany; in addition, he participated in many campaigns in Rhineland, the Ardennes and Central Europe; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, First Lieutenant Tracy E. Millis was awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the European Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on April 23,

1946, Tracy E. Millis returned to his hometown and married his wife, Elizabeth, and together, they raised three sons; he worked for the New York State Department of Parks and Recreation as a plumber until he officially retired on May 1, 1980; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Tracy E. Millis was a vital member of the Saratoga VFW Post 420, the Saratoga Barbershop Chorus, and the Saratoga Elks Lodge No. 161, where he was selected twice as Elk of the Year; and WHEREAS, Tracy E. Millis died on August 1, 2002, at the age of 58; 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, Tracy E. Millis 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 Tracy E. Millis 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 Tracy E. Millis.