Honor Irving Siegel Liberty Medal

Senate Resolution No. 2239 BY: Senator JORDAN COMMENDING Irving P. Siegel 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 peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Irving P. Siegel 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 presented on Monday, November 25, 2019, at the Columbia County Honor a Veteran Ceremony; 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, Irving Philip "Phil" Siegel was born to Sam and Cecelia (Sasnowitz) Siegel on December 3, 1921, in New York City; after graduating from the Hudson City School District, he attended both UCLA at Berkley and New York University; and WHEREAS, Irving P. Siegel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on May 12, 1942, in Albany, New York; he completed basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, before being trained as an aircraft mechanic; and WHEREAS, Private First Class Irving P. Siegel proudly served his country as a member of the Marine Fighting Squadron 422 (VMF 422) in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II; the VMF 422 was a Vought F4U Corsair squadron, known as the "Flying Buccaneers," and was a part of the campaigns of Kwajalein and Eniwetok; and WHEREAS, During his deployment on the island of Engebi, Private First Class Irving P. Siegel sustained serious injury to his lower leg when his unit was attacked by enemy aircraft; two days later, he was flown to the Hawaiian islands where he received necessary medical attention; and WHEREAS, After extensive rehabilitation, Private First Class Irving P. Siegel was honorably discharged on December 13, 1944, at Mare Island Navy Yard, California; and WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country during the Second World War, Irving P. Siegel was awarded a Purple Heart and Presidential Unit Citation; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Irving P. Siegel returned to his hometown of Hudson, New York; he married the former Eileen Velda Bellock on June 30, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, and together they raised two children, Alan and Jonathan; and WHEREAS, A self-employed businessman for nearly four decades, Irving P. Siegel enjoyed a long and successful career as a self-employed businessman, officially retiring from Sam Siegel and Sons, Inc.; in his much deserved retirement, he continued to lead an active lifestyle, whether it was traveling, bowling, golfing or spending time with his beloved family, especially his grandson, Sam; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his community, Irving P. Siegel was a member of Congregation Anshe Emeth, B'Nai B'rith, VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Hudson Elks Lodge No. 787, Washington Hose Fire Company, AARP and Winding Brook Country Club; and WHEREAS, Irving P. Siegel died on November 23, 2006, at the age of

84; he was interned with full military honors at Cedar Park Cemetery in Hudson by a Marine Corps Color Guard; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Irving P. Siegel 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 Irving P. Siegel 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 Irving P. Siegel.