Honor Veteran James DeCaprio

Senate Resolution No. 2168 BY: Senator JORDAN COMMENDING James Vincent DeCaprio posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Columbia County at its Honor a Veteran Ceremony on July 22, 2019 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; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend James Vincent DeCaprio posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Columbia County at its Honor a Veteran Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, July 22, 2019; and WHEREAS, James Vincent DeCaprio was born in Hudson, New York, on

December 15, 1923, to Anthony and Philomena (Esposito) DeCaprio; raised in Hudson, he attended the local elementary school before graduating from Hudson High School; and WHEREAS, On November 15, 1943, James Vincent DeCaprio enlisted in the United States Navy; he received basic naval training and radioman training at the Navy Training Station at Sampson, New York, before being sent to Amphibious Training Base in Solomons, Maryland; and WHEREAS, For the next two years, Radioman Second Class James Vincent DeCaprio was assigned to the USS LST 267, USS LST 53 and USS LST 133 in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations; an LST or Landing Craft Tank is designed to support amphibious operation by directly carrying tanks, vehicles, cargo and troops from ship onto the shore; and WHEREAS, Radioman Second Class James Vincent DeCaprio participated in the landing of Northern France (Normandy), Southern France and the Philippines (Luzon); furthermore, he fought in both the European and Pacific Theater of operations and was involved is several major operations; and WHEREAS, James Vincent DeCaprio was honorably discharged on February

9, 1946, at Lido Beach, New York; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service, James Vincent DeCaprio was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Medal w/star, Philippine Liberation Medal, European Theater Medal w/2 stars, Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon returning home, James Vincent DeCaprio married Louise Luponio in Alife, Italy, on January 19, 1958; together, they raised four children: Anna, Joann, James, Jr. and Lisa; and WHEREAS, He was employed as a produce manager at Grand Union in Hudson, New York; and WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, James Vincent DeCaprio was an active member of the Italian American War Veterans and Phoenix Hose Fire Company No. 5; and WHEREAS, James Vincent DeCaprio died on July 17, 1983, at the age of

59, and is buried in Cedar Park Cemetery, Hudson; in addition to his wife and four children, he is survived by his seven grandchildren and two 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, James Vincent DeCaprio 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 James Vincent DeCaprio posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Columbia County at its Honor a Veteran Ceremony on Monday, July 22, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of James Vincent DeCaprio.